#this got so long ack

[awwyeah107]

#Oh good then I'm doing church right #The one I'm listening to now feels like being bodyscrubbed by sandpaper #And every week I get to be sunk in depression at what a hopeless failure of a Christian I am =) =) =)

Hm. Can I make a point? Because this post made me start thinking, and then Bri, these tags made me go “Okay, I really want to respond to that.”

(First: I want to make the observation that it is *completely possible* that this post was meant only to address the need for non-lackadaisical Christianity in church that does not shy away from sin, that the post was not meant to touch on the nuances of all the things one should be experiencing at church, and that @scleroticstatue you generally agree with what I am going to say here but you didn’t say it because that simply wasn’t the point of the post. If that's the case, then my apologies for dragging it off track!)

Now, on to my thoughts.

Yes, I fully agree with "If you are going to a church where you are fully comfortable and never feel the need to improve and never are called to be more than what you are, you're not worshiping God, you're just doing self affirmations with more steps." The point of discomfort at or in church is to a) remind us that we are not God and b) stir us to change to further align ourselves with God. It helps keep us from getting complacent or lazy in our Christianity. It sharpens our consciences and our beliefs about who God is. It reminds us that being Christlike takes work, real work, and we are active participants in our faith, so we better act like it—and that is often uncomfortable to hear.

However, I do think there should be some level of comfort within church. The church is MEANT to be a safe haven and it is MEANT to point us to God and His love—not only to point us to our sinful nature as humans. If I went to church and I only ever felt discomfort, I would never want to go to church. It would be a chore and a struggle instead of a joy, and I know I would feel guilty because of that. I am glad that when I go to church, I do not only experience the discomfort of feeling Truth grating against my worldly desires and of struggling with secondary or tertiary theological issues; I also experience the joy and comfort of lifting my voice in praise to the Lord with the congregation, of hearing the pastor speak about the goodness of God, and of having fellowship with my brothers and sisters in Christ. (Side note: while we’re getting into nuances, it’s certainly worth saying that if I only received the comfort with no conviction, that would also be bad. I’m not going to expound on that here but I wanted to mention it.)

So, the discomfort of sin hitting you in the face when you go to church is a normal and healthy thing. But to be sunk in depression every week at what a hopeless failure of a Christian you are? Maybe there's a part you aren't expressing about the hope you have in the Lord (and those smiley faces at the end seem to indicate sarcasm or trying to make it sound lighthearted or otherwise something I can't quite identify), but...to me, that sounds really sad.

I'm a sinner, but I am saved by the grace of God alone. I do my best to honor the Lord, and I will and do fail. Daily. But He is good. He forgives me and lets me come back to Him when I stray. He knows I’m going to mess up and I’m human, and that I’ve dedicated my life to Him. (And He will both hold me to that and keep it as a ‘safety net’ of sorts for me; I can expand more on that if you want.) He does not look upon me—or you!—as a failure. He sees humans who fall into sin, but who also love Him and want to obey Him. And He sees these humans repent and turn to Him when they recognize they have done wrong.

It is absolutely necessary to submit myself to Him. Part of that means confessing my sin and my weakness. But another part of that means acknowledging His power and His strength in me. The Holy Spirit is living within me, and I can turn to Him and ask for help. There are moments I do so, and moments I do not. Whatever I do to follow His commands, I do by His strength alone. The fact that His power lives in me and allows me to resist sin reassures me, and when I do submit to the Holy Spirit’s guidance when I want to sin, it reassures me that He is alive in me. He loves me and gives me the tools to choose Him. He wants me to use those tools, but He loves me even when I do not. And it is the same for you.

Sin always, always, always involves putting ourselves first instead of Him, and we do that a lot. But that is not every moment of every day. Remember, He came to give us abundant life, that we may have it in full (John 10:10); He did not come to condemn us (John 3:17, Romans 8:1-2). Yes, we must remember why we had to be saved in the first place, and repent of our sins that we still commit. But we must also rejoice that we ARE saved!

In addition, like Sclerotic said in her reblog, some of the best Christians out there were also phenomenal failures that God worked through. God can and will work through you. Your failures, perceived or real, cannot thwart the will of God.

Yes, I am a hopeless failure of a Christian on my own. But I am not on my own. And neither are you.

(I could go on a whole tangent about self-worth as a Christian and centering your worth around God and my journey with that and my own experiences of being sunk in depression over being a hopeless failure of a Christian, but a) that would make this post longer than it already is and b) it's not 100% related [though it’s at least 75% related in my mind] and c) I have the feeling I've got a sliiiightly different view on that than either of you do, lol, but perhaps not.)

Actually, I don't think you should be comfortable going to church. I don't think you should feel comfortable to stand in the presence of God knowing what mistakes you made over the last week of screw ups. I don't think you should inherently like your church's teachings. It should make you uncomfortable, chafe at your pet sins and poke at your weaknesses. And fellow church members shouldn't make you feel comfortable, either; they should hold you to a standard higher than you think you can meet. Because if you are going to a church where you are fully comfortable and never feel the need to improve and never are called to be more than what you are, you're not worshiping God, you're just doing self affirmations with more steps.

[kikker-oma]

Just when I thought I was starting to get burnt out from 3 straight months of continuous drawing I GET A SECOND WIND😈😈😈

muahahahaha this fandom has such a chokehold on me, its unreal

[chocodaffodil]

So I've gotten into Charisma House

Versions with no lizard below cut!

[quill-n]

OKAY SO I EAS THINKING WHAT IF EDGEJEANIST BUT PUSS IN BOOTS THE LAST WISH VER DO YOU GET ME !!?

I GET YOU I GOT YOU!!!!!

Ok I couldn't decide who was gonna be who and at first I was gonna do Edge in Boots and Jeanist Softpaws (lmao) because I thought that Shinya's thousand sheet pierce thing wouldn't fit with Kitty's soft paws, BUT then I realized that Shinya's personality probably fit Kitty better + she's a ✨stealthy✨ assassin-type, and I think Tsunagu can match Puss's silly energy too. Also the fact that the whole plot of TLW is him escaping death lmao. Double also Jeanist in Boots.

Apple bottom jeans, boots with the fur—

*cough* sorry.

so

I also couldn't decide whether I wanted to just draw them with the costumes and cat vibes or if I should just cat-ify them so I did both

I was running low on art juice so I only have some shitty sketches to offer, sorry ｡⁠:ﾟ⁠(⁠;⁠´⁠∩⁠`⁠;⁠)ﾟ⁠:⁠｡

[dutybcrne]

Ayato seldom moves to pursue the subject of his affection for one of two reasons, 1) He fears his status would mean they'd feel pressured to simply accept his feelings, and 2) He feels showing his feelings for them creates a possibility they could be endangered by it should others somehow find out or begin to speculate.

[mekatrio]

my BEAUUUUUTIFUL cafkl haul 😁😁😁😁

[hersunsettia]

ladies gender neutral i will not lie I DONT KNOW WHAT IM DOING!

[monster-noises]

A memorable meal this year? 🎃

ooo mm.. the fact I can't pull one up right away goes to show how many like.. Cool Meals I attend..

OH FUCK WAIT my birthday dinner at my aunts on TCAF weekend that I almost cried at with the biggest most delicious steak, the most succulent mushrooms and a lemon curd desert that I Still think about because fucking Christ it was so good.. ;<;

also hello pumpkin!!!! it's been a bit!

[nyamcot]

[queerbauten]

in what universe is Sam Smith "fat". like. when was that something that We™ apparently decided they were.

[a-dash-in-the-middle]

they had my peach energy drink at the store and my friend had an amazing class today

im tired but happy<3

[onrainynights]

JOB ACHIEVED. FINALLY

[ame-to-ame]

Rereading ayaka is in love with Hiroko senpai!!! Last time I read it I don't think it was finished/I didn't finish it but ack. Now I also want to be in love 😭😭😭

[be-good-to-bugs]

woohoo my sisters new cars engine keeps overheating. yay

[moonstruckme]

Heyyy! So I'm obsessed with your writing! Your EMT series might be my favourite thing I've ever read.

I was wondering if I could request an EMT Marauders x reader story where she gets really sick but thinks it's nothing and downplays it to them, only for it to end up being Pneumonia or something. And maybe they feel guilty for not realising it sooner?

I know you've probably already written something similar to this so no worries if you don't feel like writing it but I'd love to see your take it if you decide. Hurt/comfort is my favourite trope in the world. I just can't get enough of it!

I hope you're doing well!

Thanks gorgeous, hope you're doing well too <3

cw: pneumonia

emt!marauders x fem!reader ♡ 1k words

You make sure there’s plenty of honey in your tea when the boys get home. 

“Hi,” you greet them, pleased when your voice comes out semi-normal. 

“Hey, gorgeous.” Sirius flops onto the sofa, nearly on top of your curled-up legs. “How was your day?” 

You try to keep your answer brief, your cough plied into submission with honey and warm tea but not for long. “Good. Got some things done.” 

You don’t mention that after every one of those things you’d had to have a thirty-minute lie down, or that many of them involved disinfecting surfaces you’d accidentally coughed near. 

“Being sick isn’t an opportunity to get things done.” Remus sinks into his chair, leveling you with a reprimanding look. “You’re supposed to be resting.” 

You shrug. “The only reason I haven’t been at work is because—” A couple of coughs fight their way out of you. James’ expression pinches as he sits on the arm of Remus’ chair, but thankfully the fit passes quickly. You take another sip of your tea. “Because I don’t want to pass it to anyone. I think I have to go back tomorrow, though.” 

Sirius makes a soft tsking sound. The boys are all still in uniform, his tattoos peeking out from the short sleeves as he traces looping circles on the side of your knee. “But you’re not better yet.” 

“Yeah, but I’m running out of sick days.” 

James frowns. “How long has it been?” 

You bring your tea to your lips, avoiding meeting anyone’s eyes. “I’ve been out for a week.” 

“But you were sick for a while before that,” he says. “What is that, ten days? Eleven?”

You shrug. 

Sirius is looking up at you with a puckered brow. “Do you feel like you’re getting better?” 

“I think so,” you say optimistically. It’s quickly undermined, however, when you’re caught up in another coughing fit. You have to set your tea down to keep from spilling it, holding a tissue over your mouth. 

James’ eyes widen, and Sirius sits up to rub your back. 

“That doesn’t sound very good,” James says. 

“No,” Sirius agrees. He reaches to feel your face, but you brush him away. 

“Don’t-—ack—don’t get too close. I don’t want to get you sick.” 

“I’m not gonna get sick, you baby.” He pushes past your hands. “Let me do my job.” 

“You just got off work.” 

“Yeah, well,” his voice softens, taking on a sympathetic hum as he lays his palm flat to your hairline, “maybe I maybe I was talking about my boyfriend job.” A pause. “I think your fever’s gotten worse, my love.” 

You whine. “Really?” 

“‘Fraid so. Have you noticed your symptoms getting worse at all?”

“I don’t” —you cough and reach for your tea again— “think so.” 

“Dove,” Remus says warningly. 

“It’s hard to tell,” you admit. “It’s moved around.” 

“Like where, honey?” James asks. 

“Like, in my…” You feel your throat contract, another fit brewing. You touch a hand to your sternum to avoid speaking. 

“In your chest?” Remus infers. 

You nod. 

He hums and moves to sit on the coffee table, his knees touching yours. You try to warn him away, but Remus shushes you gently. “Let me look at you.” 

He brings one hand to your face, feeling the way Sirius had, and touches the other to the pulse point on your neck. His touch is gentle and cool against your warm skin. You don’t know what exactly he’s looking for, but you find yourself fighting the urge to fall asleep in the basin of his palm when it slips down to hold your cheek. 

“You don’t need to talk,” says James, “but just nod yes or no, okay? Have you noticed yourself feeling more tired lately?” 

You nod tentatively. 

“Yeah? Less appetite?” 

You frown. “I don’t think—” You’re cut off by your own hacking. 

“One week off work, and she completely forgets how to follow instructions,” Sirius teases, rubbing your leg. 

“Terrible patient,” James agrees. 

“Alright,” Remus says once your fit ebbs. “I don’t have a stethoscope, but can you turn sideways for me?” 

You do, confused. Remus puts his ear to your back. You must make an odd face, because Sirius grins at you, reaching over to pinch your chin affectionately. 

“Take a deep breath,” Remus instructs. 

You try, but it doesn’t get far. Your lungs expand maybe halfway before you’re coughing again, horrible, wracking coughs punctuated by stabbing pains in your chest. Remus sits up after a few moments, rubbing your back. 

“Sorry,” you manage. 

“Why are you sorry?” Sirius pulls you into him, cradling your head to his chest. “That sounded like it hurt, huh?” 

“Yeah,” Remus answers for you, brows bent with sympathy. “I’m sorry, sweetheart. At least now we can get you some medicine, though.” 

You cough weakly. “You can?” 

“Sounds like pneumonia?” James asks Remus. Your boyfriend nods. 

Sirius coos, petting your head. “I’m sorry, baby. I was thinking it was just a cold.” 

“It’s not your fault,” you croak. “I was, too.” 

“Feels like we ought to have known the difference, though,” James admits. When Sirius gets up, he’s quick to take his spot, tucking you underneath an arm. 

“Where are you going?” you ask Sirius. 

He’s putting his shoes back on. “To get someone to write you a prescription. The sooner we get you on antibiotics, the better. It’ll give you something to show your boss, too.” 

“I don’t need to come with you?” you ask hopefully. 

He winks, grabbing his keys. “Perks of knowing people at the hospital.” 

“Perks of flirting with the doctors, he means,” Remus mutters after he’s gone. 

“Hey,” James laughs, giving his boyfriend’s knee a playful squeeze, “it works out for us, doesn’t it?” 

“Sometimes,” Remus allows. He fixes his gaze on you. “Anything we can do to help you feel better, sweetheart? Do you want to try a hot bath? Steam would be good for you.” 

You look down into your now cool mug. “Could I have some more tea?” 

He takes it from you with a kiss to your head. “What a silly question.”

[button-cat]

"Red Tears"

...

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AAAJSJDBD I finally finished !! :D it took me so long ACK im sorry to those who voted for Folly on that poll,,,took me too long to give u this eeekndndbd :(( hope u enjoyed it tho :3

btw, this is indeed based off of a post Catjammi made !! Which is this one !

i did not make the writing myself !! i got that from this post, what i did make tho was the art ! :b

hjendbfnf,,,this genuinely took me so long to finish omg 😞

LOOK i don't usually really like asking for reblogs but,,,if u do reblog this i would genuinely REALLYY appreciate it ! u dont have to tho- :b

also mAYBEEE i will make an Enidan angst like this as well,,,maybeee, but it depends since i also have other drawings i wanna make,,,u will see tho in the future :3

that's all !! :D