#talented tgif/family

[thelarriefics]

CHILDHOOD FRIENDS FIC REC, Part II: Below you will find more fics where they know each other as kids and grow up to fall in love. (Part I)

📖 Come My Love Again by @softfonds (110k)

Harry Styles is handsome, clever, and rich. At least that’s what his friends say of him. He also thinks of himself as a matchmaker in Highbury, pairing people together when he finds the time. But when the arrival of a certain gentleman flips Harry’s world on its head, he starts to question everything that was once all too familiar to him, including his relationship with his good friend, Mr. Tomlinson. An Emma AU.

📖 Sweetest Devotion by @brightgolden (61k)

After his divorce, all Harry wants in life is to provide a stable, loving environment for his three-year-old daughter, Evie. Never in his wildest dreams has he ever considered that life might come with the presence of his teenage crush — Gemma’s friend from secondary school, Louis Tomlinson. Luckily, Harry isn’t still pining over him. Or so he thought.

📖 I'm Resistant but Going Down with a Ship. by @adoremelikeasunflower19 (60k)

When Harry comes back to his hometown for the first time in a long time, he expects to almost drown in nostalgia and longing. What he does not expect, is his path crossing with his former best friend - Louis. It's been years since their goodbye and although most of the wounds have healed and the pain become dull, there is still a lot to unpack and process. They slowly find their way back to each other, talk through undiscussed emotions, and painful memories.

📖 Driftwood by @justanothershadeofblue (51k)

Harry is a lonely and depressed popstar who sailed out of his hometown on Eroda years ago to chase his dreams. He comes back to the island only to find his shining childhood best friend Louis just as cold and dreary as the island they grew up on.

📖 Under the Yellow Roof by @bluejeanlouis (42k)

Colorado, 1972: Louis is a gifted musician spending his days on the wrong side of a drive-thru window. Harry is the lead singer of a band in need of a little talent. Their big break is a thousand miles away. Colorado, 1962: First day of middle school. A lot can happen in ten years.

📖 Here You Come Again by @neondiamond (22k)

A year after taking over his family’s peach orchard, Louis thinks he has it all figured out. His routine on the farm is mundane, yet familiar, and his dog Clifford is more than enough to keep him company. It isn’t until Harry, his ex-boyfriend who broke his heart and left their small town a decade ago to pursue a bigger, brighter future in the city, comes to stay on the farm that he realises just how badly he was lying to himself.

📖 TGIF by @dinosaursmate (20k)

Louis, 13, moves in next door to Harry, eleven. They immediately hit it off and quickly become best friends, but as they get older, things get a little complicated.

📖 i got a heart (but i don't got a soul) by @tempolarriefix (19k)

Or, the one where louis sells his soul before meeting his soulmate, harry is a popstar with a heart of gold, niall is inadvertently responsible for harry's boners, liam is a meddling angel, and zayn is a demon who made a mistake

📖 given a chance by @ialwaysknewyouwerepunk (18k)

Harry and Louis were best friends in elementary school, but grew apart suddenly when they hit secondary school. When they run into each other as adults, those old feelings come flooding back. They decide to grab a drink, but will they ever be able to sort out years and years of misunderstanding?

📖 Restless Lane by @jaerie (14k)

Louis had grown used to his boring life back in Mississippi as a stand-in father figure to his siblings. He never expected his childhood friend to show up on his lawn with the heat of summer or that he would remind Louis how much of himself he'd tucked away and neglected. He also never expected to find himself caught up in a tangled web of feelings or secrets that just might break him. Maybe he had never known Harry at all.

📖 Once The Dark Divides by @zanniscaramouche (14k)

Louis finds out his childhood best friend is a Dom and somehow convinces him it's a good idea to learn about the world of kink with a hands on lesson

📖 All I Want Is You by @polaroidlouis (13k)

harry has a kid from a previous relationship. he and kit come to stay with louis for a while.

📖 Someday My Prince Will Come by @princelyharry (8k)

A handsome boy named Harry Styles, takes refuge in the woods in the little cottage of the two dwarfs with his beloved Huntsman to hide from his father’s brother, King Simon. The evil King is jealous of Harry’s youth because he wants to be known as “the fairest in the land” and Harry’s beauty surpasses his own. Or an AU based on Snow White.

📖 Not Another Lonely Christmas by @haztobegood (8k)

Harry should be more nervous that he’s bringing a literal stranger to meet his extended family, but he figures it can’t be much more awkward than Aunt Sharon’s Christmas parties usually are. Instead, he’s looking forward to having an extra person to buffer the conversation. A knock comes one minute after eleven. He lets out the breath and opens the door. “Hi there— Louis?!” Or, the one where the friend Niall sets up as Harry's fake boyfriend turns out to be Gemma's best friend Louis

📖 1967: not thinkin' 'bout you all the time by @louisandtheaquarian (8k)

It’s September 1967, the flower children have taken over the Haight, The Beatles are learning to meditate, and their American counterparts travel to an ashram on a California cliffside to do the same. Louis just didn’t expect it to be the new home of their old band member—and his ex, Harry. When he’d left home four years earlier, Harry never expected to see his childhood friends again, and even though now they’re writing songs around the campfire in earshot of Harry’s cottage, he still doesn’t have to - he can just stay inside and keep meditating. Except that Louis keeps playing the melody of his song. And one night, Harry breaks.

📖 All at once, this is enough by @lunarheslwt (7k)

Harry, overcome with burn out, wants to nest but he has never nested before, doesn’t know how to. Louis, his best friend, is only happy to help him make a nest and be there for him. Along the way, they find something more.

📖 I'm Always Free To Run Home (No Matter How Far I've Gone) by @fearlesslarrie28 (6k)

Or, the one where Harry and Louis are estranged childhood friends whose friendship would never work out... on many levels.

📖 The President and His Captain by @tommokat (5k)

Childhood best friends turn boyfriends Harry and Louis have kept their relationship quiet for almost a year now, so when Harry's basketball coach enforces a no dating rule for the season, they should have no problem sticking to that rule. Right?

[littleapocalypsekitten]

*Realises special talent for remembering very weird, old sitcoms.* Yeah, I saw something that had me flashing back to an old Fox series, Herman's Head (1990s adult Inside Out). I suddenly remembered Whoops! (survivors of a nuclear war try to rebuild civilisation and live with each other on some little farmstead property they find, played for humor as they're all a bunch of quirksters and losers, only ran one season iirc). Get a Life (a sitcom about an immature man in his 30s still living with his parents and working a bike paper-route, couldn't be made today as it hits too close to the lived reality of too many people in today's capitalist hellscape). I remember quite a bit of the TGIF lineup, too, like Family Matters and Full House. I also remember one really awful show about a teenager becoming his best friend's guardian angel after he food poisons himself eating a bad burger - Teen Angel. I didn't have cable / satelite growing up. Lived rural, too many mountains, cheap / thrifty / poor-ish parents. I was also introverted, outcast and lonely. I had cats and... a lot of shitty network TV when I was a teenager. I'm just surprised at how much I remember.

[i-kmanpower123]

🌟 Join the dynamic team at TGIF Company in Qatar as we seek a talented Assistant General Manager, Assistant Kitchen Manager, and FOH Supervisor 🍽️ positions available, come be part of our culinary excellence

Join the dynamic team at TGIF Company in Qatar and embark on an exciting journey as we seek to expand our family with talented individuals for the positions of Assistant General Manager, Assistant Kitchen Manager, and FOH Supervisor. If you're passionate about the culinary arts and thrive in a fast-paced environment, we invite you to be part of our team as we strive for excellence in every dish we serve.

As an Assistant General Manager, you will play a pivotal role in ensuring the smooth operation of our restaurant. You'll work closely with the General Manager to oversee daily operations, manage staff, and uphold our high standards of customer service. We're looking for someone with exceptional leadership skills, a keen eye for detail, and a passion for delivering unforgettable dining experiences. If you're a natural problem-solver with a proven track record in restaurant management, we want to hear from you.

Our Assistant Kitchen Manager will be responsible for assisting the Head Chef in all aspects of kitchen operations. From menu planning and inventory management to supervising kitchen staff and maintaining food safety standards, you'll help ensure that every dish meets our exacting standards. We're seeking a creative and organized individual with a strong culinary background and a commitment to excellence. If you're ready to take your culinary career to the next level, join us and be part of our team.

As a FOH (Front of House) Supervisor, you'll be the face of our restaurant, ensuring that every guest receives exceptional service from the moment they walk through our doors. You'll oversee the dining area, coordinate with the kitchen team, and ensure that our guests' needs are met promptly and courteously. We're looking for outgoing individuals with a passion for hospitality, excellent communication skills, and a knack for problem-solving. If you thrive in a customer-centric environment and enjoy working as part of a dynamic team, we want you on our team.

At TGIF Company, we're committed to fostering a positive work environment where every team member feels valued and supported. In addition to competitive salaries and benefits, we offer opportunities for career growth and development. Whether you're just starting your career in the culinary industry or looking to advance to the next level, we provide the tools and resources you need to succeed.

Join us and be part of a company that's passionate about food, hospitality, and creating memorable experiences for our guests. Together, we'll continue to push the boundaries of culinary excellence and set new standards for dining in Qatar. If you're ready to take on new challenges and be part of a dynamic team, apply now for the Assistant General Manager, Assistant Kitchen Manager, or FOH Supervisor positions at TGIF Company. We look forward to welcoming you aboard!

[gonehollywoodrp]

TGIF everyone, and hope you're looking forward to the weekend! I’ll be around to answer any questions and accept applications, and I hope you’ll consider joining us! We’re a growing celebrity group with relaxed activity rules, along with a focus on originality, character development, and forming connections in a safe and inclusive environment free from out of character drama. We've been open for six months and have such a talented and amazing group of members, and we would love to welcome more writers into our family. Check out our most wanted page and most wanted tag for the faces our members would love to see around! Some of our recent most wanted requests have been for Maya Hawke, Zazie Beetz, Aubrey Plaza, Alicia Vikander, Sabrina Carpenter, Laura Harrier, Olivia DeJonge, Winona Ryder, Suki Waterhouse, Bella Hadid, Kaia Gerber, and Hoyeon Jung, though we’ll warmly welcome anyone you have muse for. And it'll be all the more fun with our upcoming spring trip! You can apply for up to three celebrities right away without a para sample, so we’d love it if you checked us out!

[tgifemslash]

TGIF/F 2019 Femslash Vidshow

Curated by @shinyalice

Take Me Out (Saving Face) - edited by @jarrow272 n

Heavenly Day (Wynonna Earp) - edited by Foomatic21 b

Salute (multifandom) - edited by @btrain06 v

Clearest Blue (The Expanse) - edited by runaway nun v

Treat You Better (Everything Sucks) - edited by Anoel

Head Is Not My Home (Atomic Blonde) - edited by @aurumcalendula n

Hollaback Girl (The Favourite) - edited by @ohvienna & @hollywoodgrrl vn

“That’s My Jam” (multifandom) - edited by kuwdora eb

I Did Something Bad (Killing Eve) - edited by @jarrow272 bg

No Mercy (multifandom) - edited by @aurumcalendula v

(Don’t See) Too Many Rivals Now (Ocean’s 8) - edited by flickerface

Crush (The Worst Witch) - edited by metatxt

Human (The Devil Wears Prada) - edited by @trappedinvacancy

Real Love (Power Rangers [2017]) - edited by @shinyalice v

What We Live For (Doctor Who) - edited by @bethofalltrades

Someone to You (The Bold Type) - edited by @btrain06

She (Princess Protection Program) - edited by awkwardlyari

Shaky Ground (Saving Face) - edited by @cherryberrynice n

[katdvs]

When Riley Matthews was in high school her life changed, now as a professional dancer she’s got a new challenge when she’s paired with professional football player Lucas Friar on the latest season. Can they win the season, or will their past get in the way?

Cross Posted to FFN & AO3

Chapter One:

Ever since she was in the eighth grade, Riley Matthews woke up early in the morning. Before the sun would kiss the sky, Riley would take a modern dance class. It was all her own, she didn’t have to share it with her friends. When things got to be too much, she was able to escape in those early morning hours in the world of dance.

It was her sophomore year of high school that one of her friends discovered her sanctuary, Zay who had always talked about dance showed up one morning for the same class. He was in awe of Riley as she showed off a piece she’d been working on for the recital. It wasn’t long before they became dance partners, and both started taking more classes of different styles.

At the end of the school year there was a talent show, Riley and Zay had decided it was a great chance to show off the piece they had been working on. They had kept their partnership a secret until that night. Everyone else had been busy with their own practices to realize that while they were off getting ready for the city-wide science fair, or football and baseball season, or the art shows, they were dancing, choreographing together.

That night Zay and Riley danced to an old Celine Dion song, not only surprising their friends and family—but also being discovered by a television producer.

Everything changed after that night.

Except that Riley Matthews woke up early in the morning. Now at the age of 27 she woke up in a beach house, in Los Angeles. Instead of sneaking off to early morning dance classes she did Pilates on her deck, with the sound of the waves crashing, before Zay would start the blender going with their morning protein shakes.

Today started like any other day, but both were nervous. “If I get another Disney star, I swear I’ll scream. I hate having to stop for snack time.” Zay poured the protein shakes into their travel cups.

Riley laughed, “Please the last three seasons I’ve gotten the old men. Unless they get me like America’s Favorite TV Dad as a partner, I’m back in the troupe week 4.”

Zay chuckled, it was true, neither had gotten the best partners the last few seasons. They were both due for some actual contenders. “At least when you’re in the troupe you get to choreograph the group numbers.”

“I want to win, I know with the right partner I’ll be able to do it.” Riley shrugged before taking a drink from her shake, “We’ll find out in what, two hours when we meet our new partners.”

“Sure will, but you’ll always be my favorite.” Zay chuckled, just as a dish towel was thrown at him.

“I better be.” Riley laughed as she backed out of the kitchen, “I’ve got to take a shower and run an errand before our call time. I’ll see you at the studio though. I hope you get the up and coming pop star.”

“Well I hope you get the sexy athlete who wants to prove he’s more that someone chasing a ball.” He called out as he heard her feet going up the stairs.

Zay started cleaning up when he saw his phone start to come alive and the picture of his best friend, and Riley’s first love came up on the screen. Quickly he tapped to answer, “Hey Man, what’s going on?”

He stood in his kitchen blinking as he listened to his friend on the other side. “Yeah, um, we’ve got a spare room. I’m sure she’ll be okay with it. Why are you in town?”

Zay laughed, “Fine, don’t tell me. Keep your secrets. What time are you going to be in, because I’ll be honest, I don’t know where Riley put the hide-a-key, and I have to check with her.” He waited for an answer, “Oh, yeah one of us should be home by then. I’m sure she’ll be fine with this. I’ve got to get ready for work though, so I’ll see you tonight.”

#

Riley looked at her phone, she was late. She knew she was late. She’d already called and told them she would be late, and why. Right now, she was waiting for the mechanic to come back with the keys for her rental car while they repaired the heater core in her Jeep.

She’d noticed a leak in the passenger side the night before. She thought it would be an easy fix, she really should’ve googled it first. It would take a few days for it to get repaired.

She had made the mistake of getting a large iced coffee while she was originally waiting, and now the caffeine and sugar were surging through her body. Right now, she should be teaching some former sitcom star the basics of a waltz.

“Here you go.” He came out from the office and dropped a set of keys in her hand, “Sorry it will take a few days.”

“It’s okay, thank you.” Riley finished signing her paperwork before giving him a smile. “Just call me as soon as it’s ready, I love my Jeep.”

“Will do Ms. Matthews, have good rest of the day.” He took the paperwork, watching as she dashed out to the rental car waiting for her.

As soon as Riley was in the driver seat, she texted that she was on her way. She wasn’t too far from the studio but hadn’t been close enough to walk. This wasn’t the way to start a new season. This was not the way to start a season she could win.

She wanted to win.

She needed to win.

Zay had won two seasons before.

Riley had gotten close a few times, she made it to the final three several seasons in a row, but the last few had been relegated to getting the older men as partners, who just no matter how hard they worked, wouldn’t be able to win unless America really fell in love with them, and they hadn’t.

She sighed as she waited in traffic, she could at least keep working on the choreography for that musical the network was producing. Plus, she and Zay were putting together a road show with a few of the other dancers for the summer.

Finally, traffic was moving as she made her way down the familiar streets to the studio, pulling into the lot. Thankful that most of the paparazzi wasn’t aware today was the first day. They at least had a week before the stars were revealed.

She parked in the only free space she could find and quickly moved up the stairs to the entrance. Producers were waiting for her.

“I’m so sorry,” she started as they handed her the mic pack.

“Riley don’t worry. It’s okay. Your partner is in studio 5.” The producer, a woman about her age named Sheryl smiled, “I think you’ll approve of this season’s pairing.”

“Have I ever actually not?” Riley looked to her friend.

Sheryl threw her arm around Riley’s shoulder, “I promise your partner isn’t like the Dad from an old TGIF sitcom. In fact, he might be one of the most sought-after bachelors in America.”

Riley rolled her eyes, “Great, I can’t wait. I can already see the twitter and Instagram messages saying I’m stealing someone’s man.”

They stood outside the studio door, “Actually, I think America is going to love the two of you together. And maybe, if possible, flirt with this guy. Get people thinking something could happen, at the very least it should stir up some fanfare.”

“I’m still doing the cha-cha week one, right?”

“Yes, here’s the music, now go in their and let the sparks fly.” Sheryl insisted.

Riley paused, “If I go in their and it’s some Disney channel ‘tween I’m going to kill you, you know that right?”

“Yes, I promise it’s an adult male, and when you see him, you will drool.” Sheryl was practically drooling herself.

Riley took a deep breath, knowing in a minute she would be on camera for hours while she and someone she didn’t know tried to dance together. She said a silent prayer before she finally opened the door.

Sitting in the middle of the dance floor was a tall man, his back was to the door. His hair short, but a sandy blonde. His shoulders broad, his arms obviously strong, at the very least he probably looked amazing shirtless, that should get them a couple of weeks.

Riley could see the little bit of his wireless earbuds in his ears, maybe he was listening to the music, or a podcast. He was obviously an athlete, not Hockey, baseball maybe, but considering the time of year, most likely football.

She waved to the camera man, motioning for him to not let on she was there as she put her bag down by the door. As she stepped closer to her new partner, she could feel a charge in the air, a wave of nostalgia she couldn’t place considering the setting.

As she moved closer she didn’t see that he had his bag near him, or notice it’s long strap on the floor as for the first time in years, the klutzy Riley of her youth took her over in the blink of an eye she fell into his lap.

Riley was stunned.

This couldn’t be happening.

This couldn’t be real.

This couldn’t be him.

Those green eyes, she would know them anywhere. They were the first eyes she looked into and saw more than friendship. They were the first eyes she had seen heartbroken. They were the first eyes she saw darken with passion.

She smiled, “Hi, I’m Riley Matthews, your new dance partner.”

“Lucas Friar, I’m a football player, not a dancer.”

She felt a chill down her spine, “I’ll make you a dancer.” She stood up, trying to hold her composure while trying to comprehend what was happening.

Of all the men who could end up on this show, of all the men she could be partnered up with, how did Lucas Friar, her first love end up here?

#

Zay came out of his studio laughing, shaking his head. His partner was hilarious, and if she focused, she could make it a few weeks, maybe even further. He saw Sheryl looking at one of the monitors, a smile on her face. “I know, me and Connie, we’ve got it.”

Sheryl swatted him, “Look, I’ve got TV gold this season with who I paired Riley with.”

He looked at the screen, eyes wide, “Is that Lucas Friar, of the New York Giants?”

“It sure is.” Sheryl couldn’t wipe the smile off her face if she had wanted to, “Riley went in there, and Zay I’ve never in all these years seen anything like it. It was a legitimate meet cute like in a rom-com. She tripped over his bag strap and fell in his lap.”

Zay covered his mouth, nodding, hoping he wouldn’t give anything away. So, this was why Lucas was in town, oh Riley was going to probably murder him later tonight. While Sheryl couldn’t see it, he could see the terror, the control in both Riley and Lucas. “You know Riley, she is just friends with anyone she dances with. She’s resisted this all these years.” He joked, but he knew, he could see it, Riley and or Lucas were going to end up heartbroken.

“Lucas Friar is considered one of the most eligible bachelors in the country. He’s sexy, smart, charming, a real Gentleman.”

“Well he always has been.” Zay slipped, “From what I’ve read.”

Sheryl looked at the dancer, “Shouldn’t you get back to Connie, I think you two have what the foxtrot for week 1?”

“We do, I was just going to grab us some waters. She’s not used to this sort of thing, but I think she’s got real potential.”

“She does, and I truly believe that you’re the best pro to bring it out in her. Just like, I think Riley was the right choice for Mr. Friar here.”

“I hope you’re right.” Zay told her before going to the fridge nearby for water, “I really hope so.”

#

Riley and Lucas were stretching on the floor, she’d gone over many basic moves throughout the morning. This was a quiet time she usually took to get to know her new partners. She’d held herself together for the most part today. She just had to get through a few more hours. “So, why do you want to learn to dance?” she asked everyone the same question—it was expected of her from the viewers.

“I don’t want to make a fool out of my Mom at her wedding” he looked up with a small smile on her face. “She wants to have a Mother and Son dance, and at the very least I want to make it, so I don’t step on her toes. Dancing was never my strong suit, but I swear since college I’ve been even worse on the dance floor.”

His mom was getting married? His parents weren’t together anymore? At one point in her life they knew just about everything about each other, now they were strangers thrown together my television producers.

She couldn’t wait for Zay to find out about this. Did they still talk?

“I promise, at the very least we’ll get it so you and your mom have a beautiful dance together at her wedding.” She stood up, moving across the studio floor to pick up the takeout bag of lunches that had been delivered. “But I also think if you do have the focus, and determination you could win this. I think you just have to believe it.”

Lucas watched Riley moving across the room. Years ago he’d been so bitter about her secret love of dancing, the fact that she took off with Zay on some dance tour, missing homecoming, Prom, the City Championship game that got him recruited to a big college. It wasn’t until his Junior year of college that he saw Riley and Zay on TV, performing together that he finally saw that it was her passion. “You think I could get you the trophy?”

“I think I can get you the trophy.” She smiled, wishing the cameras weren’t here. She just wanted this day over. Her mind wasn’t able to wrap around the idea that Lucas was seriously her partner, she anticipated that she would wake up any moment from this dream, as she always did.

Riley pressed play on a remote, music filled the room. It was the song they would be dancing to. As she sat down, with her food she realized what the song was. The Shoop Shoop Song wrapped around them, this was a nightmare, it had to be. “This is going to be an interesting Cha-Cha.” She laughed as she looked to the camera.

#

Zay rushed home, he was afraid of what Riley might say if she saw him at the studio. He also wasn’t sure he should really let Lucas stay at the house now. It had never occurred to him that Lucas would be on the show.

But of course, they would pair him with Riley. Put those two in each other’s orbit, and they would immediately be drawn to each other one way or the other. It would forever be out of their hands.

In all honesty, he wasn’t sure how Riley was going to react to being near him, or vice versa. He didn’t know who carried what animosity towards the other. He could remember how heartbroken Riley had been when Lucas broke up with her, how she’d tried to pretend that it didn’t hurt when she saw the picture on Instagram when Lucas and Maya won Prom King and Queen during their senior year of high school. He could also remember the sound of her crying in her bunk on the tour bus later that night.

“You are so lucky!” Riley’s voice called out from the garage door.

She didn’t sound murderous, so yeah for now he was lucky. He went towards the voice, gathering the grocery bags she carried, “Why am I lucky?”

“Because, you don’t have a past with your partner for the season.” Riley dropped a bag on the kitchen counter a moment later.

Zay knew he couldn’t play dumb, not when Lucas could arrive at any minute. “Who’d you get, Lucas?” he laughed, hoping she didn’t realize he knew.

“Yes.” She sighed, “And it gets better.”

Zay watched as she put food away in the fridge, “How?”

“I landed in his fucking lap.” Riley shook her head, “And the song we’re dancing to, The Shoop Shoop Song.”

Zay began unpacking a grocery bag as a sudden chill swept through his body, he knew he had to tell her. “So, speaking of Lucas. He called me this morning, he asked if he could stay here while in town and I told him yes.”

Riley slammed the fridge door closed as she pirouetted around to face him. “You what?”

“I told Lucas he could stay with us. I didn’t know he was going to be on the show. He didn’t tell me.” He defended as he waved an eggplant at her, “We’re 27 years old. It’s been like ten years since your breakup. Besides I figured you would barely see him because you would go into season mode.”

“Season mode?” She crossed her arms over her chest.

“So, you tend to shut down in a way when you spend all day dancing with someone that’s not me.” He shrugged as he put some items away, “Like you still get up super early, do your morning routine, go to the studio, but when you come home you basically have dinner, and disappear into your room for hours on end. I figured if Lucas was here for a week or something shooting a TV commercial, you might run into him like once or twice, and that was it.”

“Zay, no one wants to be around their ex, how would you feel if I said, ‘Sure Claud, you can come stay with us.’ You would be pissed.”

“Yeah that was a year ago.” Zay rolled his eyes, “Not a decade. I mean it’s not like you fell in Lucas’ lap and still felt whatever it was you felt back in the day.”

“I need to lay down.” Riley sighed, “It’s been a long day, and I just need alone time.”

“Riley, can he stay here?”

She stopped at the staircase, “Fine, just can we keep all of this between us. I’m meaning, please don’t mention our past to Sheryl. The last thing anyone needs is to have them exploit the past.”

“Don’t worry, I won’t tell Sheryl a thing okay. If I was going to, I would’ve when she was gushing over how America is going to fall in love with you and Lucas together this season since you fell in his lap.”

Riley spun to him again, “Wait, you knew before I told you that Lucas was my partner?”

“Yeah, I came out to grab waters today and Sheryl was watching you and Lucas on the screen. I kept my mouth shut. I was stunned. I never in a million years thought that Lucas would ever do this show. The man showed no interest in dance at all, so why would he give a damn now?”

“His Mom is getting married, and he doesn’t want to embarrass her at the wedding.” Riley shrugged.

“That makes sense.” Zay, could hear a little voice at the back of his head already sure that wasn’t the reason, “His parents have been divorced since he was in college.”

“I didn’t know you two still talked.” Riley didn’t really feel betrayed, maybe if she found out he still spoke to Maya—but that was a different story.

Zay took a step towards her, wrapping his arms around her, “Not all the time. He’s been my friend since we were riding sheep.”

Riley chuckled, “I know, I just, I guess I thought they were all behind us.”

The doorbell chimed throughout the house. Zay could feel Riley stiffen. “Go upstairs, take a shower. I’ll get him set up in the guestroom. I’m sure he’ll be ready to crash, I know how you work your partners to exhaustion.”

“Thank you,” she gave him a kiss on the cheek before rushing up the stairs.

Zay crossed the first floor, opening the door to Lucas looking half exhausted with his duffle bag over his shoulder. The grin on Zay’s face couldn’t be hidden for two reasons. The joy of seeing his best friend, also seeing how his ex-girlfriend had run him ragged during their first rehearsal. “Dude, what’s wrong?”

Lucas shook his head, “Had a crazy idea of going on a reality show, and pretty sure my partner is out to kill me in the first week.”

Zay chuckled, “Riley always works her partners hard.”

“You know?” Lucas came in the house, taking it all in. The sleek furniture, the crisp white walls, the glass doors leading out to the back-yard pool. “This is amazing, this is nicer than my penthouse.”

“It’s home.” Zay smiled as he walked to the stairs, “Kitchen is here, help yourself. Just if we’re low on the Apricot La Croix, leave it. It’s Riley’s go to after a long day.”

“Good to know.” Lucas followed Zay up the stairs, he could hear the ocean from an open window somewhere.

“Riley’s room is there, I’m down here, and you my dear oldest friend in the world are in here. I had the housekeeper put fresh sheets on the bed for you.” Zay found himself hovering near the door, “What was it like to see her again after all this time?”

“It was nerve-racking. She landed in my lap, and suddenly I was thirteen years old on a subway again.” Lucas released a breath he didn’t realize he’d been holding in, “I just, I don’t know what I was expecting, what I wasn’t.”

“Its been a long time Lucas, just, please remember that.” Zay had a feeling the next few weeks were going to be very awkward and tense. “Hey, why aren’t you staying in a hotel, or at one of Farkle’s houses?”

“Farkle and I are not on speaking terms.” Lucas confessed as he tossed the duffle bag on the bed, “And I’m trying to stay away from the paparazzi. They’re everywhere, and well a certain artist in New York is trying to stir up rumors we’re dating.”

Zay took a few steps into the room, closing the door. “Wait, Maya?”

Lucas sighed, his eyes closed and it looked like he was partially holding back tears, “Yes, she saw a spike in sales after a picture of her, me, and Farkle made it to page six. We’d all been at a fundraiser auction for the Minkus Foundation. Farkle thinks I’m leading her on, Maya thinks we’re actually together, and I’m like no way in hell. We never were together, and we never will be.”

“You guys dated senior year of high school.” Zay reminded him.

“No, I was single.” Lucas stared at his friend, “I dated Chloe in college for like a semester, but that was really it. I’ve been focused on Football all this time.”

Zay took a few more steps towards his friend, “I was with Riley, the phone was on speaker when Maya broke the news to her. I heard it myself.”

“That bitch.” Lucas groaned, “I don’t even know. Its like Riley went on tour with you and no one was around to guide her. It was like she released her inner Regina George.”

Nodding Zay looked to Lucas, “I can see that. She always sort of had that essence brewing inside of her.”

“You two left, and it was, it was awful Zay.” Lucas sighed as he looked out at the view, “Farkle and Smackle ended up barely even at the school since they were in college level courses. Maya, she was always making assumptions about us. It was like we were back in that damn triangle again, I pulled away. I hung out with the football team, I went to parties on weekends. After Riley and I broke up, yeah, I made out with a few girls here and there, but it was never anything more.”

“Like I said Lucas, it’s been a long time. You’re not the same, Riley’s not the same, I’m not the same.” He shrugged, “Maybe this is a chance for Riley and you, me and you, to all become friends again. As who we are, not who we were.”

“For now, I just have to focus on Riley not murdering me during practice.”

“It’s only the Cha-Cha, just wait until Foxtrot, Jive, or Modern. She comes alive during Modern.”

“Why Modern?”

Zay opened the door, looking back at his old friend, “When it’s time, ask her.”

Lucas could only nod as Zay left him alone. He forced himself to get up, going into the sleek bathroom and turning on the shower. His body he hadn’t felt this exhausted since his rookie year playing for the Giants. He stripped out of his clothes, the steam already building up as he stepped into the glass enclosure.

He could finally breathe, relax for a moment. He knew he would see Riley again by being on the show. He just didn’t know that she would be his partner. He had hoped it would be her. Scrubbing his body he couldn’t remember the last time a shower had felt this deserved, this needed in years. He hadn’t worked as hard at anything in a while, not that he didn’t work hard at football, but it was different now.

Rinsing off he grabbed the towel to dry off. He pulled on his pajama pants and grabbed his phone before going out to the balcony. He took a snapshot of the view, the sun setting over the ocean. He thought about posting it on Instagram, but decided it wasn’t worth dealing with Farkle or Maya calling him. If he could stay off the grid for a little bit longer here, it would be better.

The last thing Lucas needed right now was Maya and Farkle invading his life. He was just trying to live his life, support a good cause, and yet was getting dragged into the gossip columns thanks to Maya. It drove him crazy that anytime they were at an event she would start planting seeds they were together. He thought she’d been over it after the triangle, after he and Riley got together.

He felt his phone vibrate as he looked down at the caller id, his Mom. “Hi Mom.”

“Hey Lucas, how did the first day go?”

“I’m exhausted, haven’t been like this since my rookie year.” He told her as he sat in the wicker chair near the door.

“That’s good. Did you call Zay?”

“I did Mom.”

“And Riley, have you seen her?”

Lucas sighed, his eyes catching the light from Riley’s room turn on, “Yeah, she’s gorgeous Mom.”

His mother chuckled, “Did she slap you?”

“No, not even close. She fell into my lap again. She’s my dance partner.”

“Oh wow.” His mother’s voice tensed up, “You know Maya and Farkle are trying to find out where you ran off to.”

“I know, and they don’t need to know. I have never once had any interest in Maya Hart, and if Farkle is going to enable her ridiculous ideas, then I can’t talk to them. I came out here to learn how to dance, I want your wedding to be perfect.”

“Honey, that’s sweet of you, but we both know I’m not the reason you’re doing this.”

“I don’t know what your talking about.” He watched as Riley stepped out on her balcony, her dark curls piled on top of her head. She had a can of sparkling water as she walked over to look out at the view.

“Lucas Friar, I’m your Mother, I know that you are trying to find out if your first love is the one. Remember son, you’re different now. You’re not teenagers. You’re a man, she’s a woman. You’ve had other relationships, you’ve had lovers.”

Lucas cringed as he listened to his mother. Watching Riley’s silohette in the sunset.

“I’m just saying Lucas, that you and she need to get to know each other again. You two had such wonderful conversations when you were younger. Start with that, and then see if anything develops. Lucas I’ve got to get going. I have to get to bed, I have an early meeting in the morning. Don’t worry, no one will every hear from me where you are. Love you son.”

“Love you Mom.” Lucas ended the call, seeing Riley turn around when she heard his voice.

“Hi.” She gave him a soft smile, “The shower pressure good for you?”

“Yeah, it was. Thanks for letting me stay. I’m trying to be as off the grid for a little bit.”

“Things okay in New York, and you know you’re going to be revealed as part of the show in like a week.”

“A week off the grid is better than no time. And once it’s revealed I’m on the show the person I’m hiding from won’t have the guts to show up.”

Riley nodded pretending she understood, “Hey, since the cameras aren’t around can I make a request?”

“Anything Riley.” He meant it, more than he expected as the words came out.

Riley knotted her fingers together as she looked up to Lucas, “Can we not bring up our past in front of the cameras, in front of the eventual press. If Sheryl or any of the other producers find out we were High School Sweethearts, they’ll exploit it. I don’t think that’s fair to you.”

“I won’t say a word.” He promised. He knew he should tell her about Maya, but he couldn’t. He didn’t know where they were friendship wise and one thing, he’d promised himself so very long ago was that he would never come between them.

“The kitchen has plenty of food, just please don’t drink the Apricot sparkling waters.”

“Zay warned me. Thank you, Riley.” He started towards the door before looking to her once more. “I promise I’m going to work hard every day we do this.”

“I know you will. Also I swear I’m not usually so klutzy.”

“I guess I bring it out in you.” He gave her a friendly smile, “Goodnight, I’ll see you in the morning.”

“Goodnight Lucas, get some sleep. Today I was easy on you.” She informed him before going to her own door.

Lucas chuckled nervously, but he knew it was true.

[jazzypizzaz]

liiveblogging my every reaction to The Man Who Would be King cuz hey TGIF

“the way whatver’s going on with Cas has been alluded to in passing all season and now we get The STory ??? fuck, I take it back about dumb AUs, this is the best type of episode

one minute in and this is the MOST epic way to start any story

“I remember that fish” ok lmao

WHO IS HE TELLING THES TORY TO I NEED TO KNWO WHO

“cas you’ll call right... if you get into real trouble...” HELP pointed looks... dean worries. he does care cas he doesn’t Get It but he cares!!

DEAN CHANGED HIM HE OWES EVERYTHING IMPORTANT TO DEAN

the fact that cas raised dean from hell and that had such a Profound (positive) Impact on both him and the world, that he’s immediately all cocky like sure I’ll pull Sam out of hell next, no problemo... not the same buddy

Dean defending Cas and feeling bad about keeping their crowley hunt secret :-( he’s loyal to him

“he could make a mistake, he ‘s the Balki Bartokomous of angels” quick wiki of this and “ However, Larry soon realizes that for all of Balki's naivety and cultural malapropisms, he otherwise is a very intelligent and courageous man of many talents who often saves the day himself. “ awwww

“you think cas is in with CROWLEy?!” i meeeeean literaly everyone seems to be in with crowley at some point so like. stones and glass houses and whatever. every episode is you making a deal with evil people or whatnot it just happens

sam like “we’re all friends, i’d die for him i would, but” okay yeah sure it’s not the same tho!!!

CAS IS WATCHING THIS CONVO OMG I HAD TO PAUSE AND REWIND

i don’t udnerstand when demons eyes turn black instead of human-passing. only when the tv audience needs confirmation?

“i favor the eternal tuesday afternoon of an autistic man who drowned in a bathtub in 1953″ wow dang that’s like a whole sentence that cas said wasn’t it huh

ah SO MANY classic lines in this one A+++

is there literally anything going on in any of these angels’ heads. like. raphael wants to be in Power, ok sure, but Why. is there any reason whatsover. what does anyone want like actually

DEAN’S LOYALTY!!! ;_; ;_; ;_;

“cas is busy” “that’s okay we are too” jklfsdjlk classic ‘i texted my crush and they left me on read and now im pretending like I have an active life and im not just waiting by the phone for them to respond’

[this isn’t a good idea but] “on the other hand, they were my friends” this summarizes cas’ whole thing doesn’t it. everything :(

“i went to an old friend for help” uuhh you’re a million years old and you’ve only konwn him for like two?? does that count as an old friend. i mean. it sounds like he’s the ONLY friend you’ve ever had so :( it’s older than any other friendship of his :( :( :(

he doesn’t want to ask dean for anything more :-(

NONCONSESENtUAL LEAF RAKING

i’ve been wondering what humans have to do with anything wrt to Heaven cuz like. no one seems to care about humans, so why are tehy even there. what’s the point of it all. and this seems to say -- as batteries??? Souls are powerful and hte more souls you’ve got, the more power

what is the point of power if you dont’ want to do anything with it

(this isn’t about you Cas you’re doing beautiful sweetie, you want power for freedom, which is sexy, at least right now)

“TWO teen beat models” and Cas “No not Dean” jlkdfskjl sam’s fine then sure i See You buddy

the way Cas is always turning, looking away when he’s got something to say. his eyes. he’s very good at Looking Intentionally.

“you gotta look at me man” THEY SHARE A PRFOUND  BOND OKAY profound. i’ts profound.

“raphael will turn the world into a graveyard” BUT LIKE. WHYYY why would he do that. i dont’ remember or care but why.

FUCK LEAVES FLASHBACK WHERE WERE YOU HE WAS WATCHING THE RAKING shit

“i’m doing this for you dean” OK WHAT THE FUCK he just says that outloud

he called him Family :( :( :( oh buddy we’re in it now

dean is Against cas’s whatever cuz of Reasons that cas should subscribe to just cuz ?? demons bad blah blah blah trust blah blah idk BUT WHY THO

i guess my problem is i want demons to just be Funky Little Dudes causing problems for fun I guess. not ~~pure evil~~

Oohh hes talking to God, of course of course

sad cas is sad but also sad cas Good TV lkjdfs

[bengalimusically]

All hearts for this #Bengalimusicallyfridayfeels ❤🤗Here's a treat for all the loved one's ....Soon multi-talented musician #Tamoghna coming with his new romantic song #AnekDure. we hope you all will like this. check out poster no. 6!

Social media partner : Bengali Musically INSTAGRAM : https://www.instagram.com/bengalimusically/ LINKEDIN : https://in.linkedin.com/in/bengalimusically

#bengalimusically #teamtamoghna #tamoghnafans #Tamoghna #Tamoghnaghosh #sanjeevani #ayeshatakia #Bobbydeol #Mumbai #original #singer #kolkata #bengal #facebook #singersongwriter #musicdirector #musician #musicproducer #lyricist #Bollywood #actor #friday #weekend #love #tgif #fridayvibes #friyay #instagood #fridaymood #happy #instagram #music #photooftheday #fridaynight #like #weekendvibes #photography #follow #picoftheday #fun #party #smile #food #friends #fashion #covid #quarantine #stayhome #selfie #mood #bhfyp #motivation #me #may #instadaily #nature #fitness #viernes #art #saturday #beautiful #style #spring #goodvibes #goodmorning #happyfriday #fridayfeeling #beauty #dogsofinstagram #lifestyle #likeforlikes #cute #family #summer #photo #dance #fridaymotivation #foodie #ootd #home #coronavirus

[jolenelocsin-blog]

University of San Agustin is a well known the 1st University in Visayas. And every month of Febuary we celebrate our University week, and on Febuary 26 - March 1 we will be celebrating our U-week. On the first day of the U-week which is on febuary 26 we will be having a FOOT PARADE and it will be held at our USA field, and after the foot parade we will be having PASIKLABAND this is the time that our fellow agustinian who will show their talents in singing, and it will be held also at our USA field. And on Febuary 27 we will be having a DANCE CREW they will be showing us their talent in dancing, and on Febuary 28 we will be having MR. & MS. USA 2019 and LARO NG LAHI this they will be showing the beautiful and handsome people from our university and at the same time agustian will be also show us their skills in our laro ng lahi games. And on the highlights of our U-week and its on March 1 2019 from 11:00am-1:30 we will be having our SALO-SALO and this is the time that our department which college of commerce have their salo-salo to show that we are family by eating together. And at 2pm we will be having our CLAYGO or clean as you go, so that we need to keep out areas clean before leaving. After that we will be having PINTA TAO 2019 which all agustian artist we’ll be showing us what they wanna paint on that particular model. At last on March 1 2019 from 4:30pm - 10:00pm we will be having our TGIF 2019 OBRA, this will be showing us how good agustians are in the field of modeling and creating a unique customes that you will be shock after you watch this event. So I encourage you to come in UNIVERSITY of SAN AGUSTIN on Febuary 26 - March 1 2019, to witness the spectacular and uniqueness that agustian can do.

[erwinvalencia]

#DailyGratitude BACK AT SHABBAT! Who’s ready for intentional dinners filled with intentional convo with intentional people? I AM!🙋🏻‍♂️ . My dear friend @alliehoffman is the queen of the most epic intentional dinners I’ve ever experienced. And it was these dinner she hosted during the heigh of the pandemic in 2020 that honestly got me through it— by coming together (safely) with epic humans who were so diverse, unique, and talented that PERSONAL GROWTH was not just a side benefit, it was what you came away with as you left the evening.💗 . Honored to once again share a table, break bread, have unforgettable convo, and maybe sing and dance a little bit with my NYC FAM.😬 . . . #TGIF #community #food #fun #life #intention #family #dinner #dance #sing #intentionalliving #joy #peace #iamhere #beawitness #welcometothenow #gratitudegang #warrioroflife #artofzest #ubebae (at Manhattan, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/CSy1uvdj4P9/?utm_medium=tumblr

[lcreation1]

(*photo credit to my 7 year old!) Finished the Hug Shot shawl by @casapinka and I’m very happy—just need to block and she’s complete! Beautiful hand-dyed yarns by the infinitely talented @laineandlotus . Now on to the next project(s) and hello to the weekend, kicking off with our little diy family happy hour! TGIF & ~cheers y’all ~ 🍷#makermom #makerlife #knittersofinstagram #knitting #handdyedyarn #handmade #laboroflove #yarntherapy #completedproject #yarnislife #smallbusiness #luckyinlife #merlotmom https://www.instagram.com/p/CDUkNkMBJbJ/?igshid=10t44qh1omtje

[gonehollywoodrp]

TGIF, everyone! I’ll be around a while to answer any questions and accept applications, and I hope you’ll consider joining us! We’re a growing celebrity group with relaxed activity rules, along with a focus on development and forming connections in a safe and inclusive environment free from out of character drama. We've been open for six months and have such a talented and amazing group of members, and we would love to welcome more writers into our family. Check out our most wanted page and most wanted tag for the faces our members would love to see around! Some of our recent most wanted requests have been for Tom Holland, Timothee Chalamet, Matt Smith, Charlie Heaton, Chris Pine, Cillian Murphy, Tom Hardy, Joe Keery, Louis Tomlinson, Theo James, and Will Poulter, though we’ll warmly welcome anyone you have muse for. You can apply for up to three celebrities right away without a para sample, so we’d love it if you checked us out!

[crossroadsinlife-blog1]

Upcoming Events For U-Week Celebration

Behold Agustinians! The week-long celebration that you've been waiting for is fast approaching... It is the University of San Agustin's Annual University or Foundation Week! Students,teachers and the whole Agustinian family prepared various activities that will relive and celebrate the spirit of a true Agustinian warrior. A week long celebration of camaraderie, unity, charity and love that everyone awaits.

http://www.iloilotoday.com/2014/10/university-of-san-agustin-hiring.html 

So hold your horses and have a sneak peak in this year's set of activities.

 Agustinians get yourselves ready to stomp your feet on the ground while we walk in unison as we open the celebration through the "Foot parade" which will be this February 26 at 3:00 pm. - 5:00 pm at the USA field. And we will surely witness an amazing show after that as local bands from the university set the stage on fire in this year's "PASIKLABAND".

 On February 27. Our talented and vigorous students will be given the chance to show their moves and swag as they perform in the "DANCE CREW"  in the USA Gymnasium reliving the festive spirit of the university. The next day will be followed by a day of laughs and glee as students celebrate the fun in the "LARO ng LAHI"  from 9:00 am. to 12:00 noon. At night we will witness glamour of the rising stars for it is a night of beauty, cheers and yells, and a shining moment for the Agustinians as each department's representative vye for the coveted crown and title to be this year's "MR. and MS. UNIVERSITY OF SAN AGUSTIN" surely our agustinian family will rejoice as they witness the making of USA royalties.

 https://www.usa.edu.ph/student-life.html

And on the first day of March, we will open the month with sulptrous food and will fill our tummies as our taste buds celebrate the known family bonding of eating together or the so- called "SALO-SALO". And on the same day, students will surely be enthralled as they participate in the "AGUSTINIAN CLAYGO" at 2:00 pm. held at designated college areas. 

Also, our young artists will got to showccase their skills as paints splutter and brush strokes were done artistically before our bare eyes in this year's "PINTA TAO" where student's bodies will be braced with artist's passion and creativity through painting. And this weeks celebration will be concluded with what we should call a celebration of fashion, character, and self empowerment at the "TGIF 2019: OBRA" from 4:00 pm. to 10:00 pm. That's it Agustinians! I bet you are all exited for this year's U-week so see you there!

[bengalimusically]

( Friday Throwback Viral News ) These songs are streaming on all popular platforms worldwide. These songs have been released from Mumbai. These video have been shot in Kolkata. You will remember these nostalgic songs forever. In a short time, the maximum number of print media and online media published the news that is a record. We would like to thank all journalists and media for their great news coverage. People who haven't seen this news can see it now. Check out the link.

Golden Opportunity: experienced female actress/model, Director, photographer, who are waiting for bollywood / Tollywood based projects can contact us. Email your CV and portfolio to bengalimusically@gmail.com Call on number 9831348976 (11 am-7 PM)

Social media partner : Bengali Musically INSTAGRAM : https://www.instagram.com/bengalimusically/ LINKEDIN : https://in.linkedin.com/in/bengalimusically

#bengalimusically #teamtamoghna #tamoghnafans #Tamoghna #Tamoghnaghosh #Mumbai #bengalisong #banglagaan #newsong #originalsong #original #singer #kolkata #bengal #facebook #singersongwriter #musicdirector #musician #musicproducer #lyricist #Bollywood #actor #wednesday #news #bilingualsong #hindisong #friday #weekend #love #tgif #fridayvibes #friyay #instagood #fridaymood #happy #instagram #music #photooftheday #fridaynight #like #weekendvibes #photography #follow #picoftheday #fun #party #smile #food #friends #fashion #covid #quarantine #stayhome #selfie #mood #bhfyp #motivation #me #may #instadaily #nature #fitness #viernes #art #saturday #beautiful #style #spring #goodvibes #goodmorning #happyfriday #fridayfeeling #beauty #dogsofinstagram #lifestyle #likeforlikes #cute #family #summer #photo #dance #fridaymotivation #foodie #ootd #home #coronavirus

[kpollicar-blog]

You could smell the excitement! Boys, Girls, Everyone. If you stepped into a fair ground at anytime it would be writhing will people packed to the rafters unable to move, any shape, any age and I guarantee everyone would be having a great time.

University of San Agustin will be celebrating its University week this February 26-March 1 with the theme"Filipino Fiesta".

On the 1st day of events there will be a foot parade and pasiklaband which is located in the USA field, on the 2nd day there will be a Dance Crew which every department will be competing and showcase their impressive dance skills , this activity will be at USA gym .On the 3rd day during the morning there will be Laro ng Lahi and at the afternoon event every deparment has a chosen representative in Mr. and Ms. USA that will showcase their talent, beauty and intelligence. On the last day of Uweek has a lots of activity which are salo-salo,Agustinian Claygo, Pintao 2019 and TGIF 2019 Obra.

By joining in this fun fair activity, students, family and friends can enjoy a soul surfing happiness where talents, skills and activities are shown widely with the Audience.

[musicgoonmail]

In The Cross Alone I Glory

In This Edition

In this week’s edition, I share what’s new with my book reviews, resources on Asian Americans and Racism, and my thoughts on taking an extended break from leading worship music at church.

I think I was successful this week at stepping away from social media and focusing just a little bit more on my family. Thanks for taking the time to spend with me here in this newsletter. You can always reach me by replying directly to this email.

Book Reviews

SOLA Network: Video Resources on Race, Racism, and Jesus

Article: How To Clearly See Who You Are

Extended Play

Lightning Links

Playlists

Coming Soon

Weekly Review

Book Reviews

This batch of books was mixed with everything, including an academic textbook, a commentary, and a research book. I predict that The Story Retold is going to be on a lot of best-of-the-year book lists. And I reviewed something new and nerdy: A Concise Dictionary of Theological Terms.

Intervarsity Press is giving away free eBooks that are resources for justice and by authors of color. IVP will continue to pay the full royalties to the authors. Get them here and the offer is good through June 12.

In case you missed it, don't forget these 2 free eBooks. First is Christ and Calamity: Grace and Gratitude in the Darkest Valley by Harold L. Senkbeil. I have not yet read it, but his book, The Care of Souls, was one of my favorites from this year. You can read my review here. Second is Humble Calvinism by J. A. Medders. This was one of my faves from last year, and you can read my review here.

A Concise Dictionary of Theological Terms by Christopher Morgan and Robert Peterson

7 Big Questions Your Life Depends On by William J. Edgar

The Spiritually Vibrant Home by Don Everts

1 Corinthians (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries) by Thomas R. Schreiner

The Story Retold by G. K. Beale and Benjamin L. Gladd

SOLA Network: Video Resources on Race, Racism, and Jesus

I created a “Race, Racism, and Jesus” playlist on our SOLA Network YouTube Channel with a variety of resources from our growing video library. It's good to know that SOLA was talking about these issues even before our current events and before I started helping out.

This week we also published our Top Anti-Racist Resources for Asian American Christians. Our perspective as Asian Americans must also be examined to see that we have our own biases, prejudices, and sin issues to deal with. As Jess and I have a transracial adopted son, our hope as parents is to always run to Jesus.

Article: How To Clearly See Who You Are

I didn't write anything on my website yet, so you are the first to read this, but I am happy to take an extended break from leading worship music at church. I was already planning this due to the birth of our second son, but the Coronavirus pandemic and move to video worship enabled an extension on my leave of absence. I've always wanted to test myself on this, and I don't yet know if I've passed, but worship leaders must always check their pride, desire for control, and want of recognition. It's good to get away from the spotlight.  

There are many more dimensions to leading worship via video, but I carefully took the time away to test my heart. I am happy to see others using their gifts and talents to serve God. What I will tell you is that I miss singing together with the congregation, I miss making noise, and I miss playing music with my friends. When it's time to record our original worship songs, I'm going to come at it with all of this in mind - and hopefully the music and my heart behind it will be for the better. 

Here is a throwback article that helped me think this through: How do you clearly see who you are? You take tests.

Extended Play

I have two articles I would like to highlight for you. First is What Hath Gondor to do with Geneva? Keith Mathison helps us understand his love for Tolkien. "By reflecting the truths of the Scripture story within a fictional world populated by humans and hobbits, elves and ents, he helps us see those truths again with new eyes."

The second article, oddly, is an obituary - Died: Francis I. Andersen, Scholar Who Used Computers to Study the Bible by Daniel Silliman. Andersen found the "awesome reality of a living God" in the grammar and syntax of Hebrew Scripture. "Today, the Andersen-Forbes database is used by Logos Bible Software, with a syntax search engine and phrase-marker graphs that open up the grammatical structures of ancient Hebrew."

Throwback: In The Cross Alone I Glory

Movie: Asian Americans on PBS

TV: Community

Article: What Hath Gondor to do with Geneva?

Article: Died: Francis I. Andersen, Scholar Who Used Computers to Study the Bible

Book: George Whitefield: The Life and Times of the Great Evangelist of the Eighteenth-Century Revival - Volume I

Music: Stop by Earth to Jupiter

Lightning Links

These quick hits are exclusive to my newsletter readers. Some struck immediately before writing this newsletter. I don’t necessarily endorse the positions or lives of these authors. Some may contain adult language.

Disneyland plans to reopen July 17, and Downtown Disney earlier

Din Tai Fung’s Original US Location in Arcadia to Close After 20 Years

The tragic lie behind the beautiful dream of Terrace House

Myka Stauffer and the Aggressively Inspirational World of "Adoption Influencers"

ABC Casts Its First Black 'Bachelor'

Playlists

MUSICGOON: 7 songs I enjoyed this week.

SVRGNLA: Jess and I love these songs.

ETJ: Music that inspires my band.

DIDD: A crowd-sourced worship playlist.

TGIF: SOLA Network friends and faves.

This is FCBC Walnut: The songs we sing at church.

Coming Soon

Trillia Newbell edited the excellent book Beautifully Distinct - conversations with friends on faith, life, and culture. I reviewed it on my website, and we're trying to schedule a date for a podcast/video interview soon. It was cool to just be connected and get in touch with her.

On our church Instagram, I’m asking some of our worship leaders to go LIVE and play some songs. I'll be coordinating that and maybe we can turn it into something awesome. Sometime next week I'm going to hit the 1-year anniversary of posting every day on my Dive In Dig Deep Instagram. What a year it has been!

Weekly Review

SOLA: George Floyd and Me / Prayer is Activism / Conversations on Race: How We Can Be Beautifully Distinct

Thank God it’s Friday: Intervarsity Press: Free eBook / Charlie Dates: I Can’t Breathe / Trip Lee: The Paradox of Being Human

SOLA Network: Video Resources on Race, Racism, and Jesus

Article: How To Clearly See Who You Are

Book Review: A Concise Dictionary of Theological Terms by Christopher Morgan and Robert Peterson

Book Review: 7 Big Questions Your Life Depends On by William J. Edgar

Book Review: The Spiritually Vibrant Home by Don Everts

Book Review: 1 Corinthians (Tyndale New Testament Commentaries) by Thomas R. Schreiner

Book Review: The Story Retold by G. K. Beale and Benjamin L. Gladd

Recommended Reading: Who Is the Fairest in the Land? Lessons for Young Men on Attraction / For Better or Worse: The Surprise Blessing of a Simple Wedding / Why Intercountry Adoption Must Remain a Viable Option / What If Marriage Isn’t Making Me As Holy As I Had Hoped?