#the great Earth Indweller

[apoloadonisandnarcissus]

Sauron might have bound himself to his physical form in Tolkien legendarium, after all

And what does this mean for his "Rings of Power" character arc?

I’ve come across this amazing Tolkien legendarium YouTube channel today, and here the author explains how Sauron, like Morgoth before him, bound himself to his physical form before the Fall of Númenor:

This theory combines evidence from several of Tolkien works: "Lord of the Rings" trilogy, "The Silmarillion", "Morgoth’s ring" and "Nature of Middle-earth".

This actually makes a lot of sense as to why Sauron physical form in the "Lord of the Rings" trilogy only has four fingers (the one cutted out by Isidulr is missing, even after his “re-embodiment”). This is similar to what happened to Melkor after he became bound to his physical form; he, too, had wounds that never healed (for instance, the burns on his hands from holding the Silmarils).

"The Black Hand of Sauron" drawn by Tolkien

But true 'rational' creatures, 'speaking peoples', are all of human / 'humanoid' form. Only the Valar and Maiar are intelligences that can assume forms of Arda at will. In any case is it likely or possible that even the least of the Maiar would become Orcs? Yes: both outside Arda and in it, before the fall of Utumno. Melkor had corrupted many spirits - some great, as Sauron, or less so, as Balrogs. The least could have been primitive (and much more powerful and perilous) Orcs; but by practising when embodied procreation they would (cf. Melian) [become] more and more earthbound, unable to return to spirit-state (even demon-form), until released by death (killing), and they would dwindle in force. When released they would, of course, like Sauron, be 'damned': i.e. reduced to impotence, infinitely recessive: still hating but unable more and more to make it effective physically. Myths Transformed: Orcs; "Morgoth's Ring"

This confirms that Sauron, after having his physical form destroyed during the Fall of Númenor, has been “dammed” and he’s reduced to impotence. We know this already because he loses the ability to take on fair form after this event.

Binding to a Physical Form

But the question is: how did Sauron bound himself to his physical form?

Morgoth, we know, it was due to his endless corruption of Arda, for thousands of years. And this included the corruption of other Ainur (several Maiar), creatures, children of Ilúvatar (orcs), etc.

The things that are most binding [to Valar and Maiar] are those that in the Incarnates have to do with the life of the hroa itself, its sustenance, and its propagation. Thus eating and drinking are binding, but not the delight in beauty of sound and form. Most binding is begetting or conceiving.  We do not know the axani (laws, rules, as primarily proceeding from Eru) that were laid down upon the Valar with particular reference to their state, but it seems clear that there was no axan against these things. Nonetheless it appears to be an axan, or maybe necessary consequence, that if they are done, then the spirit must dwell in the body that is used, and be under the same necessities as the Incarnate. The only case that is known in the histories of the Eldar is that of Melian (...) The great Valar do not do these things: they beget not, neither do they eat and drink, save at the high asari, in token of their lordship and indwelling of Arda, and for the blessing and sustenance of the Children. Melkor alone became at last bound to a bodily form. Note 5 (“Vinyar Tengwar”) of “Osanwe-kenta"

Side note: when Tolkien says "Melkor alone" it means the only Vala to bound himself to a physical form was Morgoth. He's speaking of the Valar in particular, here. He also tells us the Eldar were only aware of Melian as the only Maiar to bound itself to a physical form, but, as we know, the Eldar aren’t aware of everything that happens in the world.  

The Fanar [physical form] of the Valar were not “phantoms”, but “physical”: that is, they were not “visions” arising to the mind, or implanted there by the will of a superior mind or spirit, and then projected, but received through the bodily eyes.   [...] It is said that the longer and the more the same hröa [body] is used, the greater is the bond of habit, and the less do the “self-arrayed” desire to leave it. As raiment may soon cease to an adornment, and becomes (as is said in the tongues of both Elves and Men) a “habit”, customary garb [...] [If] the spirit (that is, one of the those not embodied by creation) [Valar and Maiar] uses a hröa for the furtherance of its personal purposes, or [still more] for the enjoyment of bodily faculties. It finds it increasingly difficult to operate without the hröa.  “The Visible Forms of the Valar and Maiar, “The Nature of Middle-earth" 

"Begetting and conceiving” might, indeed, mean more than just standard reproduction, because Morgoth did “begot” with creation and mastery of several races and creatures. However, the only other example of a Ainur (in this case a Maia) getting bound to a physical form in the lore is Melian, when she became pregnant with Lúthien (after reproducing with her Elf lover, Thingol).

How did this happen?

But Sauron didn’t exactly “begot” with creation like Morgoth did. We know, for a fact, he did not impregnate any Orcs during his “breeding of the Orcs” project in the First Age, because he would have bound himself to a Orc physical form, and that never happened.

And “Rings of Power” fans know this too, because Sauron would never have looked like this if he did. He would have a Orc physical form:

He would have never been able to take on the "Halbrand" form either. Nor the Annatar form, for that matter. In Season 1, and Season 2 of "Rings of Power", Sauron isn't bound to his physical form. The fact it's the same actor is irrelevant, because these are two different physical forms (one is a man, the other an elf).

One could argue Sauron bound himself to his physical form because of the One ring. But the One ring is a piece of jewelry, not the physical body his immortal spirit inhabits, like Tolkien tells us. He’s bound to the ring, yes, but apparently, he bound himself to his physical form, too, and for that reason, when he “re-embodied” after the Fall of Númenor, he was “damned” and “reduced to impotence”, and could no longer take “fair form” to deceive others.

This “binding” happened somewhere in the Second age timeline (which encapsulates thousands of years) before the Fall of Númenor. From the lore, we know that Maiar are at risk of binding themselves to a physical form when they overindulge on it: too much eating, drinking, sleeping, f*cking, etc. 

However, we know that Sauron shapeshifts a lot in the lore, so his risk of binding himself to any physical form is lowered than the average Maiar. So, how did this happened?

The fastest way for him to bind himself to his physical form is to father a child, this much we know. But why would Sauron ever want a child? Especially in the legendarium, we don't have candidates for the mother (I know, I know, folks from the 1970's disagree).

One time, I joked Sauron was the only iconic supervillain in pop culture without grandchildren, and that “Rings of Power” just gave us Sauron x Galadriel. Don’t tell me they’ll actually go with the insane “Half-Maia Celebrían” theory.  

Or maybe Sauron threw too much parties at Mordor and got wasted on a regular basis? Too much to eat? Too much fornication? Giving away those rings was wild, then.

We are not sure if Sauron will keep his Elf form (“Annatar”) for his Nine rings of power plan, and “King of Men” plot in Season 3 and Season 4. He might choose to take on a Man form, once again. If he does, he was clearly not bound to the Annatar form. So we’ll have to wait and see, on that one.

[talonabraxas]

'OM Namo Narayanaya' Vishnu Narayana Talon Abraxas You are everything, earth, water, fire, air and space, The subtle world, the Nature-of-All (pradhana), And the Person who stands forever aloof. O Self of all beings! From the Creator (Brahmā) to the blade of grass, All is your one body, visible and invisible, Divided by space and time. We worship you as Brahmā, the Immense Being, the first shape, Who sprang from the lotus of your navel to create the worlds. We, the gods, worship you in our selves, We, the King of Heaven, the Sun, the Lord of Tears, The Indweller, the twin gods of agriculture, The Lord of Wind, the Offering, who are all your shapes, While you are our Selves. Vishnu Purana

[walkswithmyfather]

2 Peter 1:12-21 (GNT). [12] “And so I will always remind you of these matters, even though you already know them and are firmly grounded in the truth you have received. [13] I think it only right for me to stir up your memory of these matters as long as I am still alive. [14] I know that I shall soon put off this mortal body, as our Lord Jesus Christ plainly told me. [15] I will do my best, then, to provide a way for you to remember these matters at all times after my death. [16] We have not depended on made-up stories in making known to you the mighty coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. With our own eyes we saw his greatness. [17] We were there when he was given honor and glory by God the Father, when the voice came to him from the Supreme Glory, saying, “This is my own dear Son, with whom I am pleased!” [18] We ourselves heard this voice coming from heaven, when we were with him on the holy mountain. [19] So we are even more confident of the message proclaimed by the prophets. You will do well to pay attention to it, because it is like a lamp shining in a dark place until the Day dawns and the light of the morning star shines in your hearts. [20] Above all else, however, remember that none of us can explain by ourselves a prophecy in the Scriptures. [21] For no prophetic message ever came just from the human will, but people were under the control of the Holy Spirit as they spoke the message that came from God.

John 17:17 (NLT). [17] “Make them holy by your truth; teach them your word, which is truth.”

“Know Your God” By In Touch Ministries:

“Every day we have the privilege of drawing closer to God through His Word.”

“Throughout the world, and even within the church, there’s a wide range of beliefs about the Lord. It’s important for believers to recognize that the Bible is without error and that it reveals the truth we need to understand about our triune God (John 17:17).

The inerrancy of the Bible. Without a firm belief in this doctrine, all of a person’s ideas about the Lord will be subjective. Scripture is the compilation of God’s thoughts written without error by men who were governed by the Holy Spirit (2 Pet. 1:20-21).

An accurate understanding of the Lord. God is one divine being expressed in three eternal persons—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. They are equal in every way, but their jobs differ. All three were involved in creation as well as in the plan of salvation.

The Son came to earth through a virgin birth. He lived a perfect life, died a sacrificial death for our sins, rose from the grave, and ascended to the Father in heaven. The Holy Spirit is our source of power. He indwells every believer in Christ, transforming character, revealing truth, and enabling obedience to God.

Our Creator wants us to know Him. Isn’t that amazing? He invites us to enjoy an intimate relationship with Him. Every day we have the privilege of opening His Word and having a heart-to-heart conversation with our triune God.”

[Photo thanks to Priscilla Du Preez at Unsplash]

[theprayerfulword]

September 02

Malachi 3:16 Those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in His presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored His name.

Jeremiah 33:3 Call to Me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.

Proverbs 1:5 let the wise listen and add to their learning, and let the discerning get guidance –

Revelation 7:15 Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve Him day and night in His temple. And He who sits on the throne will dwell among them.

1 John 5:13 These things I have written to you who believe in the name of the Son of God, that you may know that you have eternal life, and that you may continue to believe in the name of the Son of God.

Romans 16:20 The God of peace will soon crush Satan under your feet. The grace of our Lord Jesus be with you.

May your eye never have enough of seeing the majesty of the Lord in His creation, nor your ear its fill of hearing the Word of God. Ecclesiastes 1

May your heart take delight in your work, for this is the true reward for your labor. Ecclesiastes 2

May you know that wisdom is better than folly, just as light is better than darkness. Ecclesiastes 2

May you receive your daily bread from the Lord, and find satisfaction from God in your work, for without Him, who can eat or find enjoyment? Ecclesiastes 2

May you please God, Who gives wisdom, knowledge and happiness. Ecclesiastes 2

May you understand that there is nothing better for men than to be happy and do good while they live, for to eat and drink, and find satisfaction in all your toil is the gift of God, Whose work endures so that men will revere Him. Ecclesiastes 3

My child, be not conformed to the world's styles or manners, norms or graces, fashions or mercies, for they will shift even as you achieve them, being fickle in nature and ever-changing in focus. Rather, be renewed in your mind through the truth of My Word and the indwelling of My Spirit, letting Me mold you and shape you into the vessel I desire. I am endlessly creative, My precious one, and I have no limits or boundaries. What man does, has been done before; what I do, My love, is a new thing. Do not look for differences among those who name My name, for each of My children is a unique expression of My love; instead, look for the similarities that you have been taught from My word – meekness, gentleness, kindness, steadfastness, goodness, peace, joy, love, for these are My fingerprints embedded in the clay of your nature. They are inescapable indicators of submission to My will and acceptance of My salvation. You are My workmanship, peculiarly fashioned for good works, individually formed for the purpose I have chosen for you from before the earth's foundation. You do not fit with the flow of the world, and you do not blend with the crowd. You are a light on a hill, and cannot be hid. I have made you a spectacle for the world to look upon, a gazing-stock for the world to see, that My grace and mercy, My truth and power, My redemption and sanctification may be seen by all, though many will reject the first sight and initial exposure to My gospel. You will plant the seed of the good news of My salvation by your life, your speech, your choices, your actions and reactions; prayers will water My Word in their hearts, events will till the ground, removing thorns and weeds, breaking up the hard clods and removing the rocks, and My Spirit will watch over My Word to ensure it performs that which I have sent it to do. Do not resent your special characteristics or the constraints they place upon you, My dear one, for they are to the glory of God, and will be for the praise from many unto the Lord.

May you not receive God's grace in vain for now is the time of God's favor and the day of salvation. 2 Corinthians 6

May you give no offense or cause anyone to stumble by the way you live so that your work for God will be blameless and no fault will be found with your service to the Most High. 2 Corinthians 6

As a servant of the Most High God, may your life demonstrate your ministry and exhibit your obedience in great endurance; in troubles, hardships and distresses; in beatings, imprisonments and riots; in hard work, sleepless nights and hunger; in purity, understanding, patience and kindness; in the Holy Spirit and in sincere love; in truthful speech and in the power of God; with weapons of righteousness in the right hand and in the left; through glory and dishonor, bad report and good report; genuine, yet regarded as imposters; known, yet regarded as unknown; dying, and yet living on; beaten and yet not killed; sorrowful, yet always rejoicing; poor, yet making many rich; having nothing, and yet possessing everything. 2 Corinthians 6

May you have no fear as you make God your refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, its waters roaring and foaming and the mountains quaking with their surgings. Psalm 46

May you find that city of God, the holy place where the Most High dwells, and the river whose streams make the city glad, though other nations are in uproar and kingdoms without God fall, for the Lord Almighty is with you and the God of Jacob is your fortress. Psalm 46

May you come and see the works of the Lord, the astonishing things brought on the earth as He makes wars cease across the earth, breaking the weapons and burning the shields, that all would be still and know that He is God, exalted among the nations, honored in the earth, mighty among us and ever our fortress. Psalm 46

Though senselessness disturbs our heart and foolishness fills us when we are young, may we embrace the loving discipline of our heavenly Father Who is able to remove it far from us. Proverbs 22:15

[hiswordsarekisses]

I used to really struggle with learning the difference between condemnation and conviction. It took a lot of growth to finally realize that conviction is from the Holy Spirit, and is a blessing, meant to turn me around. Not only that but I learned that conviction is proof that the Holy Spirit lives in me, the Bible says that when the “helper” comes He will “convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment” (John‬ ‭16‬:‭8‬‬)

Condemnation is something the devils brings. Jesus said He did not come to condemn but to save. He said He did not even come to judge - that The Father has already judged. (John 12)

The following is from Jerry Bridges devotional, I just had to share:

“…We must put sin to death continually, every day, as the flesh seeks to assert itself in various ways in our lives.

No believer, regardless of how spiritually mature he or she may be, ever gets beyond the need to mortify the sinful deeds of the body.

John Owen wrote, "even the choicest saints who seek to remain free from the condemning power of sin need to make it their business, as long as they live, to mortify the indwelling power of sin."

To mortify sin we must focus on its true nature.

So often we are troubled with a persistent sin ONLY because it disturbs our peace and makes us feel guilty - but we need to focus on it as

“an act of rebellion against God.”

Our rebellion is, of course, against the sovereign authority of God.

But it is also rebellion against our heavenly Father who loved us and sent his Son to die for us.

God our Father is grieved by our sins.

Genesis 6:5-6 tells us, "The Lord saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually. And the Lord was sorry that he had made man on the earth, and it grieved him to his heart."

Your sin and my sin are not only acts of rebellion;

they are acts that grieve God.

Think of the persistent sin patterns in your life that you’ve identified and are hopefully praying daily over, and remember that these are grievous to your heavenly Father.

And yet, he sent his Son to die for those very sins that fill his heart with pain.”

😭🙌🏻 Thank You Father for sending us Your Son. Without Him there would be no hope for any of us. Thank You for Your conviction, because of which we know You have not given up on us. 🙌🏻😭🕊️🤍

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Living His Word

I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. — Philippians 4:13

The present era is an in-between time. We are in-between the inauguration of the Kingdom of God on earth at the first coming of Jesus Christ and its complete manifestation at His second coming. Jesus, for example, preached that the Kingdom of God had come to the people of His day (Luke 11:20), but He also said that we should pray "Your Kingdom come" (Matthew 6:10).

The fact that we live in this in-between time means that we already see manifestations of God's kingdom everywhere, but it also means that we do not yet see the fullness of the Kingdom everywhere. There is a tension between the already and the not yet. We see great victories, but we also see great challenges and oppositions. We see healings of health, but we still see sickness and death. Given this state of affairs, it follows that the Christian life requires that we be able to handle whatever comes our way; it requires that we be able to handle the already and the not yet.

In Philippians 4:10-13 Paul tells the Philippian church that he has learned how to handle one aspect of the already and the not yet. He has learned how to abound with everything he needs and he has learned how to suffer need. He has learned how to be full and how to be hungry. It is in this context that he says "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." Paul is not saying that he can do whatever he wants whenever he wants because of Christ's strengthening; he's saying he can handle the already and the not yet of the Christian life.

What Paul had learned was how to be content no matter what state he was in (Philippians 4:11). He did not complain when he was in need and he did not complain when he was abounding. Jesus Christ's presence through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit enabled him to stay in control of himself no matter what came his way.

Whether in an already situation or a not yet situation, there will be temptations to complain today. Let us learn, like Paul, how to do all things through Christ who strengthens us.

© 2016 by Bible League International

[nelithic]

iris :   if your muse could convey one last message to someone they have lost or left behind ,   what would it be ?

▀▀ 　BOTANICAL HEADCANONS　₊　

he could have been said to be her older brother, during a time when even the greatest fell dragons of the present age were small and wingless, their eyes glistening still with newness. it was a time when father's ambitions were yet young too, inchoate and full of imagination. sombron had been a visionary; he saw a vast road of interconnected knowledge, and power, and truth joined like roots beneath the stories of their majestic land. at this beginning, there had been an earth dragon, and with her he created the fell dragons of the category ' humus ' — fertile seeds of the world tree.

the children of this union were never destined to fly. and among them stood one whose scales shone like gemstones, a gradient of midnight drawing the eye in a plummeting spiral to their centers where divinity like fulgur laced beneath the skin.

as blood runs from the heart to the limbs, as gradlon's mountains reach towards the sun, go unto these worlds, and display your beauty there with pride.

such are the memories that a child named eizh had of its father.

more than anything, the child wished to fly. he would look upon her and the other dragons unlike him and lament the barren sculpture of his spine, such that nel grew sorry for him; for the seeds of gradlon were possessed of tremendous power beyond that of her own kind, yet fell forever short of the skies. for as long as she could remember, that breathtaking child loved nothing more than their father, and dreamed their father's dream.

but how was it to fulfill the great dream it had been given, bound to the earth as it was?

nel remembers the moment when all of gradlon castle rang with the singing, guileless joy of that child's happiest day. by the time she reached the inner chambers, he was no longer anywhere to be seen.

thank you, father, thank you. remained the single sheet of paper on which he'd inscribed his hopes indwelling. you gave me wings to soar and a mighty form. i will go to the lands and tell them about you and everyone else. i shall tell them that the place where i was born is beautiful.

the seeds of gradlon were never seen again.

some say that in the far reaches of the fell land, where even the dragons take care to tread, the skeleton cages of tremendous, wingless beasts consecrate the ground where they had fallen. here, the earth welcomes them home like a mother, bringing forth bounty unseen in the world from their blood.

some say that worlds away speak legends of a tyrian dragon, a glimpse of whose hypnotic scales brought birth and damnation; who could be heard at the edges of tragedy, singing a song of fathomless beauty. the legends say he would sing until their last days, for the tragedy began and ended in him.

another stretch of parchment lies atop the first now, in nel's older, steadier script.

in the strength of the dream that called you, you were like father more than any of us. you feared neither death nor the unknown, and embraced the potential of his cruelty. i will remember you when my wings are heavy and the future intraversible. i will remember how you wept for these things at all.

[yhwhrulz]

Streams in the Desert Devotional for February 13

"The hill country shall be thine" (Joshua 17:18, RV).

There is always room higher up. When the valleys are full of Canaanites, whose iron chariots withstand your progress, get up into the hills, occupy the upper spaces. If you can no longer work for God, pray for those who can. If you cannot move earth by your speech, you may move Heaven. If the development of life on the lower slopes is impossible, through limitations of service, the necessity of maintaining others, and such-like restrictions, let it break out toward the unseen, the eternal, the Divine.

Faith can fell forests. Even if the tribes had realized what treasures lay above them, they would hardly have dared to suppose it possible to rid the hills of their dense forest-growth. But as God indicated their task, He reminded them that they had power enough. The visions of things that seem impossible are presented to us, like these forest-covered steeps, not to mock us, but to incite us to spiritual exploits which would be impossible unless God had stored within us the great strength of His own indwelling.

Difficulty is sent to reveal to us what God can do in answer to the faith that prays and works. Are you straitened in the valleys? Get away to the hills, live there; get honey out of the rock, and wealth out of the terraced slopes now hidden by forest. -- Daily Devotional Commentary

Got any rivers they say are uncrossable,

Got any mountains they say ’can’t tunnel through’?

We specialize in the wholly impossible,

Doing the things they say you can’t do.

-- Song of the Panama builders

Copyright Statement This material is considered in the public domain.

[charlenasaxen]

Athrabeth

“Andreth was a woman of the House of Bëor, the sister of Bregor father of Barahir (whose son was Beren One-hand the renowned)”

“In the days of the peace before Melkor broke the Siege of Angband, Finrod would often visit Andreth, whom he loved in great friendship”

“In the year 260 Glaurung first emerged from the gates of Angband”

“which in the original manuscript (A) runs on continuously without new heading”

“Sad to me, Andreth,’ he said, ‘is the swift passing of your people.”

“yet now he is gone, and his sons, and his son’s son also.”

“if the withering is less soon then that is some amendment, a little lifting of the Shadow.”

“Ye also, we hold (being instructed by the Great who know), are Children of Eru, and your fate and nature is from Him.”

“we proclaim that ye are our kin, in a kinship far closer (both of hröa and fëa) than that which binds together all other creatures”

“the beasts and birds who are our friends, the trees, and even the fair flowers that pass more swiftly than Men”

“But for you, who are our nearer kin, our regret is far greater.”

“in every winnowing there is chaff with the corn that is chosen, and doubtless some corn with the chaff which is rejected”

“the Wise among Men say: “We were not made for death, nor born ever to die. Death was imposed upon us.”

“behold! the fear of it is with us always, and we flee from it for ever as the hart from the hunter”

“And lo! we have fled from the Shadow to the last shores of Middle-earth, to find only that it is here before us!”

“Beware of the chaff with your corn, Andreth! For it may be deadly: lies of the Enemy that out of envy will breed hate”

“Not all the voices that come out of the darkness speak truth to those minds that listen for strange news.”

“death is but the name that we give to something that he has tainted, and it sounds therefore evil; but untainted its name would be good.”

“My father’s father was cruelly slain, and many have followed him, exiles in the night, in the cruel ice, in the insatiable sea.”

“by smoke, by venom and the cruel blades of battle. Fëanor is dead, and Fingolphin was trodden under the feet of the Morgoth.”

“to defend the Children of Eru, Andreth, all the Children and not the proud Eldar only!”

“The other is death ineluctable; death the hunter who cannot in the end be escaped”

“it will not endure for ever. It was made by Eru, but He is not in it. The One only has no limits.”

“But it is not clear that a foreseen doom long delayed is in all ways a lighter burden”

“Beware lest you speak the unspeakable, wittingly or in ignorance, confounding Eru with the Enemy”

“The Lord of this World is not he, but the One who made him”

“For I do not believe your tale. None could have done this save the One.”

“whatever happened long ago, we have fled from it; we have tried to forget”

“Your Valar do not trouble us either with care or with instruction. They sent no summons to us.”

“Speak not of them so, nor of anything that is high above you. Such words came first out of the Lying Mouth.”

“ye were too great. Yea, I mean this, and do not only flatter your pride: too great. Sole masters of yourselves”

“without any words they would soon discover your mortality, and ere long you would perceive that they did not die.”

“already we had our lore, and needed none from the Elves”

“Then you do not see yourselves clearly. But it may often happen that friends and kinsmen see some things plainly that are hidden from their friend himself.”

“with love and concern and much thought”

“To me the difference seems like that between one who visits a strange country, and abides there a while (but need not), and one who has lived in that land always (and must)”

“all things that he sees are new and strange, and in that degree lovable”

“all things are familiar, the only things that are, his own, and in that degree precious.”

“because it reminds them of some other dearer thing?”

“or as we say in picture the House and the Indweller”

“what is the “deathlessness” that you have lost but that the two should remain united for ever?”

“Then “death” would (as I said) have sounded otherwise to you: as a release, or return, nay! as going home!”

“But the body is not an inn to keep a traveller warm for a night, ere he goes on his way, and then to receive another. It is a house made for one dweller only, indeed not only house but raiment also”

“divide them is a grievous hurt, and yet each must fulfil its right nature without tyranny of the other”

“this must surely follow: the fëa when it departs must take with it the hröa. And what can this mean unless it be that the fëa shall have the power to uplift”

“If so it resides in the mind of Eru, I deem,’ said Andreth. ‘To such questions how can we find the answers, here in the mists of Arda Marred?”

“This then, I propound, was the errand of Men, not the followers, but the heirs and fulfillers of all: to heal the Marring of Arda”

“to do more, as agents of the magnificence of Eru: to enlarge the Music and surpass the Vision of the World!”

“For that Arda Healed shall not be Arda Unmarred, but a third thing and a greater”

“we cannot see or know, until by our own roads we come there, Valar or Eldar or Men”

“As may a master in the telling of tales keep hidden the greatest moment”

“I was thinking that by the Second Children we might have been delivered from death.”

“there walk, maybe, with the Children of Men, their deliverers, and sing to them”

“even in the Bliss beyond bliss, should make the green valleys ring and the everlasting mountain-tops to throb like harps.”

“And what, when ye were not singing, would ye say to us?’ she asked”

“I can only guess,’ he said. ‘Why, wise lady, I think that we should tell you tales of the Past and of Arda”

“of the perils and great deeds and the making of the Silmarils! We were the lordly ones then!”

“But ye would know then of what we were reminded: of the days when we first met, and our hands touched in the dark”

“then he paused, for he saw that Andreth was weeping silently”

“Alas, lord!’ she said. ‘What then is to be done now? For we speak as if these things are, or as if they will assuredly be. But Men have been diminished and their power is taken”

“But there is another which is founded deeper. Estel we call it, that is “trust”.”

“It is not defeated by the ways of the world, for it does not come from experience, but from our nature and first being.”

“the Children of the One, then He will not suffer Himself to be deprived of His own, not by any Enemy, not even by ourselves”

“all His designs the issue must be for His Children’s joy”

“But is this indeed Estel? Is it not Amdir rather; but without reason: mere flight in a dream”

“many desires are revealed; and desire may be the last flicker of Estel. But you do not mean dream, Andreth. You confound dream and waking with hope and belief”

“they say nothing clearly,’ answered Andreth. ‘How or when shall healing come? To what manner of being shall those who see that time be re-made?”

“They say,’ answered Andreth: ‘they say that the One will himself enter into Arda, and heal Men and all the Marring”

“the Valar are greater than we, but yet no nearer to His majesty. Is this not so?”

“which, think you, is more likely to lie: those who make themselves humble, or he that exalts himself?”

“How could Eru enter into the thing that He has made, and than which He is beyond measure greater? Can the singer enter into his tale or the designer into his picture?’

‘He is already in it, as well as outside”

“But such words may not be used of the Measureless. If Eru wished to do this, I do not doubt that He would find a way”

“if He in Himself were to enter in, He must still remain also as He is: the Author without.”

“still his Shadow would remain, and the evil that he has wrought and sown”

“Then, lord,’ said Andreth, and she looked up in wonder, ‘you believe in this Hope?”

“No such hope was ever spoken to the Quendi. To you only it was sent. And yet through you we may hear it and lift up our hearts.”

“looking gravely at Andreth he said: ‘Yes, Wise-woman, maybe it was ordained that we Quendi, and ye Atani, ere the world grows old, should meet and bring news one to another”

“ordained, indeed, that thou and I, Andreth, should sit here and speak together, across the gulf that divides our kindreds”

“The gulf, maybe, is between our fates rather, for else we are close akin, closer than any other”

“Between thee and me surely more has passed than empty sound? Have we not drawn near at all?”

“Yet then thou wert a maiden, brave and eager”

“If I could speak any comfort, you would deem it lordly from one on my side of the sundering doom. But what can I say, save to remind you of the Hope that you yourself have revealed?”

“Why should we love you, and why should ye love us (if ye do), and yet set the gulf between?’

‘Because we were so made, close kin”

“That word will displease thee. Yet pity is of two kinds: one is of kinship recognized, and is near to love”

“but he turned away, and he is young still. Do candles pity moths?”

“Or moths candles, when the wind blows them out?”

“Adaneth, I tell thee, Aikanár the Sharp-flame loved thee. For thy sake now he will never take the hand of any bride”

“he will go forth before thee and he will not wish to return.”

“The Eldar have one kind, and ye another; and each judges the others by themselves — until they learn, as do few”

“If his heart ruled, he would have wished to take thee and flee far away, east or south, forsaking his kin, and thine. Love and loyalty hold him to his.”

“For one year, one day, of the flame I would have given all: kin, youth, and hope itself: adaneth I am”

“such barters are paid for in anguish that cannot be guessed, until it comes”

“in ignorance rather than in courage the Eldar judge that they are made”

“Nay, adaneth, if any marriage can be between our kindred and thine, then it shall be for some high purpose of Doom”

“But do you think of him? He would not have run before thee. He would have stayed at thy side to uphold thee.”

“pity thou wouldst have had in every hour, pity inescapable. He would not have thee so shamed.”

“we (if not ye) would rather have a memory that is fair but unfinished than one that goes on to a grievous end”

“ever remember thee in the sun of morning, and that last evening by the water of Aeluin in which he saw thy face mirrored with a star caught in thy hair”

“and after that, sitting in the House of Mandos in the Halls of Awaiting until the end of Arda”

“And what shall I remember?’ said she. ‘And when I go to what halls shall I come?”

“then our speech together will not have been wholly in vain. Farewell!”

“Darkness fell in the room. He took her hand in the light of the fire. ‘Whither go you?’ she said.

‘North away,’ he said: ‘to the swords, and the siege, and the walls of defence — that yet for a while in Beleriand rivers may run clean, leaves spring, and birds build their nests, ere Night comes.”

“Will he be there, bright and tall, and the wind in his hair?”

“I will tell him,’ said Finrod. ‘But I might as well tell thee not to weep. He is a warrior, Andreth”

“In every stroke that he deals he sees the Enemy who long ago did thee this hurt”

“But you are not for Arda. Whither you go may you find light. Await us there, my brother — and me.”

[ivy72376]

EIGHT WORDS PER LINE, OCTOBER 1-31, 2024

"It seems that everyday these days is a trying time,

Of patience and faith, principles, convictions, character,

A clash of cultures, values as cheap as dime,

A cloudening of truth, smokescreen on the important matter.

Thankfully our Saviour shows us a way,

Amidst the chaos, and the attack on truth and love,

To put our priorities in order, in spite of what others say,

To be grounded in our affairs, with wisdom from above.

May we always uphold what's true and good,

Be responsible for ourselves, always do what's just and right.

Recognize that on this earth we belong to a great brethrenhood,

Different may be in the manner, but united for our soul's eternal fight."

#HappyOctober312024

"The Pearl, the first novella I read as a kid, was tragic,

In keeping something so precious, the protagonist lost the life of a loved one,

It took away his family's peace and a good future, as if the downside of magic,

Because of the greed and oppression of one powerful man.

Thankfully there is one pearl we are taught about that's true and eternal,

One giving hope and joy that cannot be stolen,

A future that, with patience and perseverance, will be resolute and final,

If we live lives in humility, grace, with hearts and minds without leaven.

May we always hold on to the great pearl our Savior promised--His kingdom.

Giving up on pride and selfishness, always considering the good in every situation,

Our lives open books, vessels of grace where all kinds of people willing to share are welcome,

That the good seed our Savior has planted will grow, an abundant life brought to fruition."

#HappyOctober302024

"It cannot be said enough, prayer is power,

Especially done for unselfish, ungreedy, non-judgmental ends.

And we see its fruits in one's character,

When pride, prejudice, ignorance and fear it breaks or bends.

And prayer is its own reward too,

Giving peace to the prayerful, consolation for pain,

That even still must be suffered by me and you,

But not deprived of hope and eternal gain.

May we pray boldly, yet humbly, patiently, silently,

Knowing in faith, we have what we ask for.

If we ask for the good of all, work diligently,

Believing what's coming is greater than what has been before."

#HappyOctober292024

"The wise person carries no baggage, is good emotionally,

But hard to do literally, especially in calamities.

For in the former, it is freeing, peace-inducing eventually,

But the latter speaks readiness, a matter of survival in difficulties.

Yet mental baggage is no easy thing to carry,

And so we'd be wise to rid ourselves of its spiritual embrace.

For beyond the physical, holding on to toxic emotions makes our souls weary,

Depriving us of joy and contentment, from appreciating our daily grace.

May we be people truly set free and delivered,

From a life of prejudice and hate, self-righteousness and pride.

That our path to our Father's kingdom be not hindered,

And through life's challenges and seasons, with Him we will always abide."

#HappyOctober282024

"It's not the movement, nor the group or congregation,

But being reborn means a change of character,

From one that blindly follows groupthink without question,

To one that upholds truth and justice, and values that matter.

As the wind, unpredictable in direction but real,

So is life truly blessed, graced, renewed, reformed.

Where the Father's love and power indwells deeper than what we feel,

To penetrate selfishness and greed, ignorance and pride are struck down, transformed.

May we be people truly changed by our Saviour's words and sacrifice,

Living daily the gospel and the love He had given.

For no amount of words, proclamations, traditions and pretend actions would suffice,

When faced with the metrics and scales, the Judgment of heaven."

#HappyOctober272024

"One high school literature assignment was titled, 'This too shall pass',

An apt lesson on the impermanence of both happiness and suffering.

A sobering reminder too that no glory nor pain will last,

A challenge to live in the moment, embrace fully our being.

It speaks to us too, who are prone to settle,

Not to be complacent but each day to earn our keep.

For life demands in all situations for us to show our mettle,

And to always learn fortitude, develop patience and discernment so deep.

May we persevere in whatever situation and season,

Giving our best, doing all the good we can.

That we may prove worthy servants, who learn our life lesson,

Doing a good turn in every way, to anyone."

#HappyOctober262024

"It's foolhardy to counterflow in heavy traffic,

More daring if done in our spiritual and social life.

But life demands that our efforts be made specific,

When we preach peace, instead of judgment and strife.

Yes, there will be consequences to our every word and action,

And we cannot run away from the call to be accountable.

But truth and wisdom must be upheld in any situation,

Generosity and patience, empathy and magnanimity as far as we are able.

May we be responsible, facing life's challenges with courage,

As we seek our Heavenly Father's guidance and grace.

Help others see the good news of His kingdom with humility and knowledge,

Remembering we are all together in this eternal race."

#HappyOctober252024

"An ancient sage said that it's a shame to be rich

In a country that's poorly governed,

While it's shameful to be poor, in that place which

Every bread is honestly, diligently earned.

Yet, because of evil and greed, poverty is always everywhere,

So that it is a moral obligation to help as we can,

Giving to and supporting those around us, being there

To enlighten and guide, making life better for everyone.

May we pay forward the grace we have been given,

Making sure to right wrongs, defend the oppressed,

Uphold truth and love, give ourselves to wisdom, our characters proven,

Sharing, giving, blessing, as we are also magnanimously blessed."

#HappyOctober242024

"How dangerous and scary a world it must be,

If each of all our prayers are granted without effort,

For then we wouldn't have a Father who loves you and me,

But a spoiler who dismisses us with favor, but not support.

And yet, we must still believe in His unconditional grace,

To make it through each day with hope and love,

For truly, this world's drudgery and terror needs courage to face,

A Comforter to guide and strengthen, a gift from above.

May we not abuse such privilege and earn our keep,

In generosity and understanding, responsibility and accountability.

Each moment a chance to tap into wisdom so deep,

Each situation a lesson in honesty, patience, perseverance, integrity."

#HappyOctober232024

"It's difficult to be consistent in this day and age,

Unless one leans towards being 'autistically' - inclined.

That's not an insult, but admiration towards one like a sage,

Who does things repeatedly, untiringly, exhaustingly, of one mind.

So it seems with character, virtue, faith and love,

If the inside doesn't match the outside, something will always break.

And maybe, we can show that we give all that we have,

But we will always be proven by what we say and make.

May we be consistent people, focused on where we are headed,

Yet never losing sight of our humanity and reason.

Our Father's love and character, in our hearts imbedded,

Faithful and hopeful, patient, persevering through every season."

#HappyOctober222024

"If we do not know what we are looking for,

We will never know if we have found it.

If we do not understand what we're staring at, therefore

We wouldn't be able to grow our minds one bit.

If we are only after one particular type of thing,

We wouldn't discern truth just a hair-breath beyond our reach.

Much like how we fail to see that in faith and living,

Our Creator has given us His Word and admonition beyond each Sunday's preach.

May we open our eyes, broaden our mind and heart,

Welcoming the manifold ways life reveals what's greater.

For then from our Saviour's will we wouldn't depart,

Nor run away from His leading, which is infinitely better."

#HappyOctober212024

"The truest wealth indeed is contentment, from honest labor,

Knowing that regardless of the situation, we are amply provided for.

And that people may steal from our hard-earned gain,

But diligence will always bear fruit without eternal pain.

And we can always have peace, sleeping fitfully,

For we know even if our days are numbered, there's One who faithfully

Keeps watch, guides, provides, leads in the right direction,

Ready with respite, answers to our every question.

May we spend our days always seeing what's truly valuable,

Trusting in faith in our God who is always able.

Children of hope and light amidst a corrupt and chaotic generation,

Vessels of wisdom, integrity and honor, His holy nation."

#HappyOctober202024

"If only our reason to live is to be like the rest,

Without ever carving our own path, nor trying out something radical,

Then it's useless to try to give our very best,

For then we would only be consumed by what's tangible and physical.

But if we must give meaning to our everyday,

We would do well to strive not only for ourselves,

For being a light and inspiration is what truly make our day,

As we bring peace and hope, we encourage others to better themselves.

May we always remember we are mere stewards of life and creation,

Here on earth not just to survive, but to thrive and replenish.

At every turn discerning, extracting and sharing wisdom from each situation,

Living deliberately, mindfully, enduring patiently until our life's grand finish."

#HappyOctober192024

"Modern life indeed has been getting more stressful,

It seems to be a never-ending race,

So much so that in the humdrum, we become forgetful,

That a better life is one with a slower, more mindful pace.

Thankfully, the Word reminds us what to do, where to go,

For our Saviour's invitation never becomes stale.

Entrusting our cares to His caring hands just so,

And believing His promise of guidance, provision and abundance to never fail.

May we infuse mindfulness, patience and discernment to our everyday,

At each turn, be a vessel of peace, hope, and joy,

With our Father's love lighting our every way,

His joy our strength, His boundless wisdom free for us to employ."

#HappyOctober182024

"It's always good to remember, something that has gotten clichéd,

When everybody says that after our difficulties and triumphs, 'it will be all God',

Yet, when we broadcast our process, our 'My Day' as we sashayed,

There is no spot for Him, as in, 'God's Day', and it seems kinda sad.

Maybe instead we should declare without hesitation,

That everyday is the day that the Lord has made,

He who guides, sustains, provides in every situation,

On whom our cares are taken, our soul's debts are paid.

Yes, even though people fail us, deprive, neglect, or demean our person,

We have a Heavenly Father who loves, who shows mercy and grace.

May we always be thankful, humble, tactful in any situation,

And recognize His leading through all the challenges we face."

#HappyOctober172024

"One really has to go skin-deep to feel the worth

Of anything worth doing, since time proves character.

True joy manifesting in challenging times, bringing forth

Fortitude, resilience, mental toughness, clarity, conviction, all that would really matter.

Because the world doesn't revolve around us, nor can we

Demand respect and recognition, but to just work diligently.

For at the proper time, what we are inside will prove to be

The key to a greater future, humility paying off if we strive patiently.

May we remain steadfast, humble, prudent, noble, consistent and true,

Giving our all in every situation, to making life better

For us and others, enduring while we wait our due,

And surely, joy and peace will follow after."

#HappyOctober162024

"Don't commit into something if you haven't outgrown yourself,

For you may be found wanting, deeds scattered, undisciplined.

Correction from others you may find not a help,

Insisting on your rightness, righteousness, even with convictions untrained.

It is better to go through life circumspect, deliberate,

Not inviting scorn, but mindful and tactful.

For even as nature balances small and great,

So our daily challenges and triumphs rewards the soul that's respectful.

May our days be filled with wisdom, always measured,

In humility, fulfilling our purpose and calling.

Our moments, their lessons and realizations always treasured,

Our eternal destiny despite our current realities always worth embracing."

#HappyOctober152024

"It doesn't take talent to be kind,

Just a simple expectation to be treated the same,

Nor does it take much effort to mind

Others, just basic respect, a habit that's never lame.

And so it's hard to grasp greed, selfishness, rudeness,

For they go against the grain of being humane.

Whatever one believes, whoever one worships, life gets better with gentleness,

And living is bearable when we are more willing to give than to gain.

May we always be mindful, for it doesn't go out of fashion.

Tactful and respectful, recognizing each other's right to live with dignity.

Be circumspect and discerning in every situation,

At each chance, dispensing peace, wisdom, reconciliation instead of enmity."

#HappyOctober142024

"A sad news was aired somewhere in the first world,

Of a navy seal who jumped to save a mate who fell overboard

During a hurricane, but both perishing in the end,

Due to their worn heavy gear, unfortunate for both savior, mate and friend.

Not to such extent may be what we face daily,

But still some situations call for heroism actually.

Especially when a brother, sister, friend or mate is in a dire situation,

That one needs to extend at least an encouragement, a word of hope, even caution.

May we be that person that only gives out peace and love,

Much as how we have been given mercy and grace from above.

A friend, a mentor, a sister or brother, a guide,

Never losing steam in faith and the journey, always ready to listen and abide."

#HappyOctober132024

"While no one can claim moral ascendancy over another,

There are still some people that needs to be reminded

Of what truly counts, the important matter,

Or their hold on life and sanity would have ended.

And those of us who are also undergoing the same challenge,

Need to look out for one another.

For none of us is so perfect, none immune to change,

All alike in burden, in responses and reactions with our human sister and brother.

May we always be there to encourage, to build up, to inspire,

In selflessness, may we make our lives meaningful,

That we may work our way out together especially in situations that are dire,

And in love and peace, be patient, persevering, faithful and hopeful."

#HappyOctober122024

"It's one of the most telling traits,

Yet far often overlooked in the race for clout:

The prayerful person is at peace, patiently waits,

Not shouting out their greatness, nor running their mouths about.

And prayer is its own reward too,

Something too few realize until much later.

It in itself a manifestation of confidence in what's due,

Trust that whatever the situation, something awaits that's greater.

May we never cease praying, whenever we can,

Holding on in hope and faith, trusting in our Father's love.

Daily living His will, being responsible, respectful to everyone,

Fueled by unlimited mercy and grace from above."

#HappyOctober112024

"Abuse is a sensitive topic, yet one must be aware,

It is never normal to elevate a life more than another.

It is indeed a virtue to forgive, a strong dare,

Yet not to forget that consequences must be borne together.

As it is with our basic human right to survive,

So is it with the need to be respected and treated humanely.

Nobody has supremacy over another in wealth or status, but to thrive

Is every person's natural path, no matter how things progress insanely.

May we recognize how small and immaterial we are,

Against the grander infrastructure of the universe,

Be humble, respectful, courteous, go the extra mile as far

As needed, love and peace motivating our actions, our thoughts, and every time we converse."

#HappyOctober102024

"There's a certain kind of rage that brews,

As life gets more difficult, more raw and existential.

The fearful becoming ruder, with not a few loose screws,

Life's trivialities nitpicked, no passing moment proving inconsequential.

But patience is a virtue that is its own reward,

For the moment when you are most pressed is when you most need it,

When life's challenges seem all the more insurmountable, surviving is hard,

That's when you need to extend more grace, holding on more than a bit.

May we learn to take in each moment and appreciate

The life and breath we're given, be mindful

Of everything, see their worth, the value of the small against the great,

And to our God and good convictions, be steadfast and faithful."

#HappyOctober092024

"To a generation that desperately seeks validation,

It seems only positive remarks are welcome,

Less so with discipline, constructive critique, warnings, admonition

Even if they give caution from evil days to come.

Undeniably though, the aged has seen it all,

And would want to guide in the path that's true,

However disregarded, unseen, unrecognized, a life of integrity still stands tall,

A life making and correcting mistakes, and living to tell remains due.

May we learn from the wisdom of those who have been before,

Knowing that with humanity, there is nothing that's new,

As we live, we realize, as we advance, we learn more,

Hopefully not making the same mistakes, but breakthroughs not unlike a few."

#HappyOctober082024

"All of us are driven by something unseen,

Yet real, manifesting in our everyday talk and action.

It gives weight to all the things and places we've been,

It brings substance and meaning to our every situation.

Whether that unseen force be the light of wisdom and love,

Or the darkness of selfishness and greed is up to us.

But the better person gives generously of what they have,

Even when unrecognized, unacknowledged, deprived of the little one has.

May we choose to be led by the good spirit of our Heavenly Father,

Who nurtures and provides, gives hope and strength,

That we may learn to be independent yet still have the grace to help another,

Remaining steadfast and faithful, as we go through life's full length."

#HappyOctober072024

"Amidst the world's hustle and bustle, race and humdrum,

When almost everyone strives for attention and validation,

One may feel left out, unheard, unseen, unwelcome,

Where one may even question long-held priorities and conviction.

Thankfully the Word reminds us that acknowledgement comes from our Creator,

Translating into internal motivation as we follow what's right,

In humility, we seek not another person's favor,

But the heavenly grace, our Father's mercy, love, and light.

Yes, the world disappoints, life harrases and challenges,

But He who indwells in us is greater.

May we remain steadfast as the season changes,

Find our inspiration in the Life-giver, that's infinitely better."

#HappyOctober062024

"A quote said that teaching is the ultimate act of optimism.

Indeed, to believe that in each student lies a gem,

Waiting to be uncovered, polished, perfected, until they glisten,

Is hard, but everyday rewarding, for you and for them.

So is it with life, so full of difficulties, deprivations, challenges,

But underneath are priceless treasures of life lessons.

One's convictions always under attack as the world's values changes,

But peace comes to those who remain steadfast through the seasons.

May we always remain hopeful, faithful, patient and persevering,

Doing our best daily, even lengthening our working hour,

With our Heavenly Father's goodness and grace indwelling,

All our thoughts, words and tasks driven by His love and power."

#HappyOctober052024

It's now International Teacher's Day...

Some friends may ask, "Why did I turn/go back to teaching--full time now, at this age, considering the tremendous work and effort, the long hours, the tons of papers to check and grade, lessons and exams to prepare, the breathlessness of keeping up with the profession's standards and updates, the small pay and dearth of recognition, the challenges in handling and managing Gen Z, and in a few years' time, Alpha?"

Simple lang:

"We only have one short physical life, at the end of which, when asked at the Judgment Seat what did I do with it...

(I did not bear physical offspring of my own and make them grow,

Nor did I build kingdoms, heaped on accolades and recognition, nor amassed wealth...)

I PASSED ON WHAT I LEARNED, I PAID FORWARD."

#IAmMerelyPassingOnWhatIKnow

#HappyInternationalTeachersDay

"While the smarts and greats have their field day,

Genius and wise stand safely and quietly aside.

For it is natural for the learned and the status'ed to always have a say,

While nobility demands that one put down one's pride.

And so is it with temper, a very short fuse,

Among those threatened of their position, status, impression.

While the humble knows difficulty and stress are not an excuse

To be rude, for one must be sane in any situation.

May we learn the way of love and peace,

Always mindful, hopeful, faithful, diligent, enduring and persevering

Against all odds, keeping our minds and souls in one piece,

While we strive for a better legacy that's everlasting."

#HappyOctober042024

"Often, we're put in situations that overwhelm us,

Where we feel swamped, inadequate, not ready, unqualified for;

Made worse when the challenge is yet to pass,

And we don't know what lies beyond the door.

But in such times, faith gives us courage,

That all we've undergone may find its meaning

Brought to clarity, inspired by wisdom's timeless adage,

Not to fear, for with our Heavenly Father, impossible is nothing.

May we hold on in hope that someday we'll be well-compensated,

For our seemingly unsung, unselfish, unrecognized efforts now.

At a better someday when our sufferings will be vindicated,

And all things work for good for us somehow."

#HappyOctober032024

"Admittedly it's hard to be patient these days,

When surrounded by people out only to get what they want,

Regardless of others, selfishly imposing their greedy ways,

Having only their say, as insensitive as a dead plant.

Thankfully, the Word gives us the proper perspective,

That such an uncaring, unmindful attitude doesn't pay,

Taking undue advantage, abusing, oppressing, depriving others is not the way to live,

Nor can they help us stand strong in the Great Day.

And so may we learn respect, tact, sensitivity, consideration,

Empathy, seeing life and situations from different points of view,

That we waste not our privilege as a child of God, His holy nation,

Bringing glory to His Name, substance to the gospel He's gifted to me and you."

#HappyOctober022024

"Many times, we become victims of the lazy, greedy, selfish, irresponsible,

What is rightfully due us become hostage through flimsy excuses,

We still come up short no matter how much we are able,

And couldn't grasp the extent of insensitivity however one muses.

But thankfully, in faith we can keep our hope and sanity,

Putting things in their proper frame and right mindset.

That our struggles need not be borne alone, but in community,

Recognizing a higher family that loves us, meaningful friendships with people we've met.

May we always hold on in hope for a better day,

Where the oppressors and abusers would meet their due.

Where we are shown and led through the right way,

Where there is respite and redemption for me and you."

#HappyOctober012024

[schooloftheprince]

Even the Originating Creator Persona desires to participate with everyone by the Indwelling Adjuster Presence.

Oh God our Father...

Christ Michael's 21st Century

Our Father....

Our Father Mother Existence who lives throughout the heaven of heavens dwelling as an everywhereness . . .

Hallowed and holy be your Ideal of Existence so that your name is perpetually upon our every faculty as we consecrate our total persona unto you, Father of Life.

Your kingdom is everywhere in everything and one day as everyone; your will be done that we discover your strength and courage and the faith conviction necessary to persevere with our full determination and our great effort.

May thy will of Order and Harmony be achieved upon the earth as it is gradually unfolding throughout the heaven of heavens.

Give us this day the knowledge to extend your existence, and feed us thine bread of understanding that we shall become arisen in your existence and accomplishing our destiny with you in eternity.

Renew our minds into truth and refresh our hungers towards nobility and honor, ennoble our character motivations, and eternalize our complete personhood, so that the desire of our soul partakes of the water of your Life.

Let us become awakened to your perfect approach necessary to receive your continual outpouring of mercy and forgiveness, that we progressively become ascended and permanently free from all our doubts and debts and disorders.

And as we claim our rights and identity in you, as we utilize the endowment of life which you’ve given us, so shall we discover a new capacity to forgive all who are of the body of your Life.

Save us with the right intellectual intelligence, the recognition of your goodness and glory, so that we are elevated beyond the temptations of the senses and the material body.

Let us become delivered from our own self-perpetuated evil and any disloyalty that we’ve set into motion by our strengthening discernment.

Increasingly and progressively each day, let us decide to stand loyal with you, oh God our Father, that we find your eternal value, your everlasting vision of eternal life, and that we give ourselves day by day to your perfection in each moment.

Michael Of Nebadon

Sevenfold Revelation of Christ Michael

[michaelofnebadonuniverse]

Even the Originating Creator Persona desires to participate with everyone by the Indwelling Adjuster Presence.

Oh God our Father...

Christ Michael's 21st Century

Our Father....

Our Father Mother Existence who lives throughout the heaven of heavens dwelling as an everywhereness . . .

Hallowed and holy be your Ideal of Existence so that your name is perpetually upon our every faculty as we consecrate our total persona unto you, Father of Life.

Your kingdom is everywhere in everything and one day as everyone; your will be done that we discover your strength and courage and the faith conviction necessary to persevere with our full determination and our great effort.

May thy will of Order and Harmony be achieved upon the earth as it is gradually unfolding throughout the heaven of heavens.

Give us this day the knowledge to extend your existence, and feed us thine bread of understanding that we shall become arisen in your existence and accomplishing our destiny with you in eternity.

Renew our minds into truth and refresh our hungers towards nobility and honor, ennoble our character motivations, and eternalize our complete personhood, so that the desire of our soul partakes of the water of your Life.

Let us become awakened to your perfect approach necessary to receive your continual outpouring of mercy and forgiveness, that we progressively become ascended and permanently free from all our doubts and debts and disorders.

And as we claim our rights and identity in you, as we utilize the endowment of life which you’ve given us, so shall we discover a new capacity to forgive all who are of the body of your Life.

Save us with the right intellectual intelligence, the recognition of your goodness and glory, so that we are elevated beyond the temptations of the senses and the material body.

Let us become delivered from our own self-perpetuated evil and any disloyalty that we’ve set into motion by our strengthening discernment.

Increasingly and progressively each day, let us decide to stand loyal with you, oh God our Father, that we find your eternal value, your everlasting vision of eternal life, and that we give ourselves day by day to your perfection in each moment.

Michael Of Nebadon

Sevenfold Revelation of Christ Michael

[talonabraxas]

'OM Namo Narayanaya' Vishnu Narayana Talon Abraxas You are everything, earth, water, fire, air and space, The subtle world, the Nature-of-All (pradhana), And the Person who stands forever aloof. O Self of all beings! From the Creator (Brahmā) to the blade of grass, All is your one body, visible and invisible, Divided by space and time. We worship you as Brahmā, the Immense Being, the first shape, Who sprang from the lotus of your navel to create the worlds. We, the gods, worship you in our selves, We, the King of Heaven, the Sun, the Lord of Tears, The Indweller, the twin gods of agriculture, The Lord of Wind, the Offering, who are all your shapes, While you are our Selves. Vishnu Purana

[walkswithmyfather]

Romans 8:38-39. “For I am convinced that neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither the present nor the future, nor any powers, neither height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” (NIV)

“God’s Love Comforts Us” By In Touch Ministries:

“Jesus went to the cross and died in our place so that we could become children of God.”

“Our heavenly Father wants us to know how much He loves and cares for us. In fact, today’s passage says that nothing can separate us from His love. He has made this clear through:• Revelation of Himself. In Scripture, we learn that God made us in His image and has a purpose for us. Sin separated us from Him, but He has a solution to our problem.• Provision of a Savior. We were trapped by our sinful nature and under a sentence of eternal death—separation from God forever. But because of our Father’s great love for us, He sent His only Son to bear the penalty we deserved (Romans 6:23). Jesus rescued us from sin and reconciled us to the Father. What we could never do for ourselves, He did for us. • Adoption of Believers. When we place trust in Jesus Christ as our Savior, we become children of God. The separation between us and Him is gone; instead of being enemies, we are family. The indwelling Holy Spirit serves as both evidence that we belong to God and assurance of His unending love. The Father’s care for us shines brightly through the cross—it was because of love that He sent Jesus to earth to die in our place (1 John 4:9-10). Once we accept the gift of salvation through Christ, nothing can separate us from God’s love. What a comfort that is in times of need.”

[drjameslongjr]

Devotional: I am a Personal Witness of Jesus Christ

“Counseling through the Word” Devotional: I am a Personal Witness of Jesus Christ

As followers of Jesus, we are called to be witnesses to His life, death, resurrection, and the salvation He offers. In Acts 1:8, Jesus commissions His disciples, giving them the Holy Spirit’s power to carry His message to the ends of the earth. This call extends to us today. We are empowered by the Holy Spirit to proclaim the gospel, not just through words but through our lives, as we testify to the greatness of God.

Scripture: Acts 1:8

"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth."

Devotional Thought: I am a Personal Witness of Jesus Christ

In Acts 1:8, Jesus’ final instruction to His disciples is a commission that spans the entire book of Acts: "You will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses." This wasn’t just a call to the original apostles; it’s a call to every believer. The term "witness" implies more than just telling others about Jesus. It means to bear evidence of His work in your life. As Christians, we are living testimonies of God's grace, transformed by His Spirit to represent Christ in the world. Through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit, we are equipped to share the gospel with boldness, whether in our homes, workplaces, or communities. Our calling isn't limited to geographical regions but is expanded through our everyday interactions. We are witnesses in every area of our lives, from the local to the global. Furthermore, the Holy Spirit empowers us not only to witness but to live in victory over sin and opposition. Just as the disciples in Acts were filled with supernatural courage, we too can rely on the Spirit's strength when faced with challenges. Our witness is authenticated by how we live, even when circumstances are difficult. In a world where many voices compete for attention, our lives as Spirit-filled witnesses shine brightest when they reflect the love, truth, and power of Jesus.

Bringing it Home: Applying What We Learned

- Empowered by the Spirit: You have the same Holy Spirit that empowered the apostles, enabling you to live boldly for Christ. - Living Testimony: Your life is a living witness to the transformative power of Jesus—how you live, speak, and love reflects His work in you. - Global Mission: Witnessing starts at home but extends to the ends of the earth—wherever God has placed you, you are His witness.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your Holy Spirit, who empowers me to be a witness of Your great love and salvation. Help me to live boldly, testifying to Your work in my life. Open my eyes to the opportunities around me to share the gospel and bring glory to Your name. Amen.

Questions for Reflection (Live Boldly for Christ this Week)

Reflect on how you can live boldly for Christ this week. Consider the following questions: - How can I rely more on the Holy Spirit's power in my daily life? - In what ways can my life better reflect the transformative power of Jesus? - What opportunities do I have to share the gospel in my current environment? Challenge yourself to step out in faith, trusting the Holy Spirit to guide and empower you. Whether it's a conversation with a neighbor, a kind act at work, or a moment of prayer with a friend, let your life be a testament to God's love and power.

Take the Next Step on Your Journey

Thank you for joining me today. If you found this lesson helpful, I encourage you to explore more resources and support on my website, https://jameslongjr.org/. You can also watch my video on my YouTube channel. Finally, would you consider joining our Lessons for Life monthly membership or our online group coaching, where you’ll find powerful coaching videos, a supportive community, and step-by-step guidance for lasting transformation? Remember, true change is possible when you walk in God’s grace and for His glory. Until next time, may you find peace, hope, and joy in Christ alone. Blessings! Read the full article

[atrayo]

Channeled Angelic Wisdom of the Jewels of Truth Series on The Divine Way & Our Divine Twin Lives

Hello All,

I'm back again here under the wire for the month of August in this blog post. Now that the season of Summer 2024 is reaching its soon enough to be zenith perhaps the weather may be somewhat moreso civilized. 

Today's entry of the Jewels of Truth series follows the theme of our inherent divinity we all share universally as children of God(dess) excelsior. The oft-unseen spiritual influences upon us and our twin lives as incarnated ghosts with an auric energetic body of the holy ghost indwelling within us all. 

May today's duo entries of the ongoing angelic discourse series now spanning 29+ years. Via Inspirational Psychic Automatic Writing expand your spiritual horizons of the multitudes of the Divine Within us all. Namaste.

The Divine Way:

3335) What does It mean in realizing this that our own private spirit body is reborn through God(dess) constantly evolving into all other multitudes of life forms. As the perfect multi-dimensional essence of the angelic divinity holy nature is our template of being spiritually awakened for a manifold of spiritual outlets forever. 

Why have we challenged ourselves into a frenzy only so much to succumb to petty injustices that provide a semblance of order? To awaken to that which can be construed as strategic suffering if only we can wail sufficiently in order for the holy mother to hear our united cries to be suckled again. What remains of the status quo will not stand for much longer all else will be cast to the side in time. 

To find our Inner spark by perturbing the flow of an exalted higher quality of life is to welcome our host the Great Maker to be with us in our gentle abode for a while longer. Then with greater vigor, we can attempt to force our way through this life pretending that we are more than we actually are beyond just the confines of this world. 

The slights of this life whether authentic or just perceived can torment the living for only so long. Until a backlash erupts to engulf nearly everything in your plain surroundings for a flash of a moment. The alyssum of this Earth notwithstanding permits countless clashes to erupt together like a cacophony of musical instruments. Each seeks supremacy within the overarching chaos for perhaps harmony to lead the ensemble. 

Those with the utmost agency are meant to pick themselves up only to carry on with a sense of personalized dignity whether our interests permit it for good or ill on occasion. Those who inadvertently panic will be snared by their very ego-centric phobias as self-inflicted traps of the immaturity of one's private mentality at large. 

It is indeed a terrible loop of self-inflicted misery when an entity as a reborn physical personhood chooses pain and suffering over mindful and heart-centered wellness in the world. Many are cycling into and out of rightful struggles of the human condition insofar they are conscious of it is another matter altogether. 

To live by divine virtue isn't just to grin and bear it in a stoic capacity. That cliche is dead in many respects. Masochism has no place in being called divine just like sadism has none either. Righteousness has many flavors and not all are meant to be sweet and dandy. No form of grace is superior to any other but the lone precursor of Absolute Love that begot the progenitor of all life and death simultaneously as to what humanity esteems as the Creator. 

It is the dogged fanatical foolish zealot that boasts things of great faith with the mightiest cockery akin to a rooster. That is the animal side of the ego overriding the spiritual humility aspect of the divine one within. The chilling notion of narcissistic pride stifles any noble progress towards the development of austere awareness of the finer aspects of divinity within. 

Austerity in this case doesn't necessarily signify material poverty or for that matter spiritual bankruptcy. It is a sublime authority that stems from a deeper backbone of the Inner Self or Higher Self that pervades your human mask of the ego and/or personality matrix. 

No one is the ultimate authority over your divinity on earth not even the cherished priests of your preferred religious body on Earth. Only God has the authority to override any aspect of a soul or spirit to his/her/Its pleasing perfect Immaculate choices. Not even the angels for they can only pivot what is permissible upon Divine Law as the living essence of the Creator as it pre-exists forever. 

All whom prostrate themselves before the Lord God shall know many mercies within a lifetime. Some of these as celebrations and many others of salvation both great and small alike. Each must find their private road back to God. Religions, and spiritual traditions as philosophies only go so far for heavily traveled concord pointing towards any overarching divinity. None shall take you to the last mile to your private abode in God's bosom which you each are already in earnest whether realized by the spirit of you or not within a lifetime. Amen. ---Ivan Pozo-Illas / Atrayo.

Our Divine Twin Lives:

3334) There are moments when we forget entirely our humanity with a shared heritage that heralds back countless epochs into the collective unconscious. Beyond this primordial stirring within the zeitgeist of the human endeavor to being alive we seldom notice another twin waiting patiently for our remembrance. 

There are countless permutations of what it means to Be alive as a means of self-expression. Whether our opinions are formulated sufficiently stands to reason that we are here wherever here is truly? There are many conventions that defy our thoughts much less the impulses of feeling our physicality as living and breathing instruments of this world as the multiplicity of being alive here and now. 

Where our consciousness begins and ends is much for debate regardless of what version is espoused over another notion. Those who are adamant that life is meant to be lived only in one manner are being steered far afield usually by political Institutions seeking dominance rather than enlightened hearts and minds. To be a faithful servant to the State is a far different series of truths than being faithful to your spirituality within. 

We as people are often preoccupied with what it means to being right with God by religion or by faith in general. Seldom do we have a wider cosmopolitan view as a greater vantage point than what is spoon-fed to us. By sometimes well-intentioned political religious patriarchal Institutions of and by humanity itself in its own flawed Image of the Great Mysterious One. 

Our Ghosts as ourselves in divine form prevail before our humanity in question. What we term as the New Age Higher self is the authentic Divinity of Us we are the puppet pretending that we manipulate the higher self, but not so... We are the players at large believing ourselves as the beginning and end of our universe for this finite era of our mortal lives. More often than not it is our Souls playing a broken record over and over again hoping for a different result by means of reincarnations. God doesn't ordain our rebirths it is moreso the law of averages by the popularity of our Oversouls seeking to express the Will of God in terms of Infinity.

What is the Glory of God is rather a precursor as to what is the Divine Condition within our beneficent divinity within for the moment. The moment is always flexible for the eternal Now is endless without just one cause. The world nay we the Heavenly Host declare all of Creation physical and otherwise provides Immense Contrast. Not just in binary terms of two overarching polarities having dominance over everything and everyone therein. 

There are Universes where binary evolutionary dynamics are retarded as backward in terms of evolutionary consciousness. The Great Mysterious One is also the Absolute Circle of all Life and Death forms simultaneously. This means many other points of contention as a tandem spectrum of backstops holds together akin to different geometric archetypical shapes that make binary arguments a moot point. 

There is no finite straight line universally speaking that is a child's conclusion. To embark upon greater adventures of consciousness requires a panoramic perspective of not just your physical universe but also your twin Divine bodies super layered upon your human ones akin to a hazmat white suit. The aura by any other name is where your superhuman godly powers lay if only you each mature to exercise it like a mindful faculty of the Soul of God upon you. 

Short of this you'll amount to nothing more than finite mammalian primates with dangerous barbaric rages seeking supremacy over your environment and each other. Awaken to your Divinity Within and transcend the narrative of the world and all the materialism that seems to define it for the moment by the caste/class you were born into what backward foolishness indeed.

The Way back to your Divinity is Within foremost public worship is good and ok but not the final destination. It is paradoxical to what the world espouses meaning it is often the opposite in a manner that is led predominantly by virtue, ethics as behavioral norms, and many countless forms of benevolence. That is if you seek enlightenment by means of Heaven on Earth. For chaos has a warped destructive path of Dominion that is enlightened hellish evil as well versus all goodness and justice in God by a totality known as Paradise. Amen. ---Ivan Pozo-Illas / Atrayo. 

Ivan "Atrayo" Pozo-Illas, has devoted 29 plus years of his life to the pursuit of clairaudient-inspired automatic writing channeling the Angelic Heavenly host. Ivan is the author of the spiritual wisdom series "Jewels of Truth" consisting of 3 volumes published to date. He also utilizes a unique channeled angelic divination method called the Multi-Deck Divination System. Numerous examples of his work are available at "Atrayo's Oracle" blog site of 19 years plus online. You're welcome to visit his website "Jewelsoftruth.us" for further information or to contact Atrayo directly.