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Why We Must Care for God’s

Sacred Creatures

What do God and the Bible say about animals?

Animals are a vital part of God’s creation, each one playing a unique role in the world around us. No matter which animal it is—small or big, dangerous or gentle—we are called to treat them with kindness, respect, and compassion. The Bible teaches us that we must never mistreat them, recognizing their value as part of God’s divine plan. By caring for animals, we honor the Creator and reflect His love in the world.

1. Animals in Heaven and Earth:

1. Isaiah 11:6-9

“The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them.”

• This passage paints a picture of harmony among all creatures in God’s kingdom, suggesting that animals are part of His eternal plan.

2. Revelation 5:13

“Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, saying: ‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, forever and ever!’”

• This verse illustrates that all creatures, including animals, give glory to God, both in heaven and on earth.

3. Psalm 36:6

“Your righteousness is like the highest mountains, your justice like the great deep. You, Lord, preserve both people and animals.”

• This verse shows God’s care for all His creation, humans and animals alike.

2. Animals as Miracles of Creation:

4. Genesis 1:24-25

“And God said, ‘Let the land produce living creatures according to their kinds: the livestock, the creatures that move along the ground, and the wild animals, each according to its kind.’ And it was so.”

• Animals are part of God’s intentional creation, reflecting His creativity and power.

5. Job 12:7-10

“But ask the animals, and they will teach you, or the birds in the sky, and they will tell you; or speak to the earth, and it will teach you, or let the fish in the sea inform you. Which of all these does not know that the hand of the Lord has done this?”

• Animals are presented as witnesses to God’s greatness and as teachers of divine wisdom.

6. Psalm 104:24-25

“How many are your works, Lord! In wisdom you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures. There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number—living things both large and small.”

• This passage celebrates the diversity and wonder of animal life as part of God’s creation.

3. How We Are Supposed to Treat Animals:

7. Proverbs 12:10

“The righteous care for the needs of their animals, but the kindest acts of the wicked are cruel.”

• This verse encourages kindness and responsibility toward animals.

8. Deuteronomy 22:6-7

“If you come across a bird’s nest beside the road, either in a tree or on the ground, and the mother is sitting on the young or on the eggs, do not take the mother with the young. You may take the young, but be sure to let the mother go, so that it may go well with you and you may have a long life.”

• A command to show compassion and preserve life, even for birds.

9. Exodus 23:12

“Six days do your work, but on the seventh day do not work, so that your ox and your donkey may rest, and so that the slave born in your household and the foreigner living among you may be refreshed.”

• Animals, like humans, are given the blessing of rest, showing their value in God’s eyes.

10. Psalm 145:9

“The Lord is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.”

• God’s compassion extends to every creature, reminding us to follow His example.

11. Matthew 10:29

“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care.”

• Even the smallest and seemingly insignificant animals are under God’s watchful care.

Let us remember that every animal, no matter its size or nature, deserves our care and reverence, for they are part of God’s miraculous creation. When you hurt animals or ignore their suffering, you are disregarding the love and care God has commanded us to show towards all of His creations. The Bible teaches us that cruelty to animals is not only a failure of compassion but also a violation of the divine stewardship entrusted to us. Each time we mistreat an animal, we fail to honor the Creator who placed them in our world. Our actions, whether out of neglect or cruelty, diminish the beauty and purpose of God’s creation, and we lose the opportunity to reflect His love and kindness. It is through our care for animals that we live out the true nature of God’s love—one that extends to all living beings, great and small.

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You Are One of God’s Beloved Sheep

God calls His people His sheep, a title that speaks to both our need for guidance and His deep love for us. While sheep might seem weak or vulnerable, this comparison isn’t about being powerless—it’s about belonging. You are part of God’s flock, cared for by the Good Shepherd, who knows you, loves you, and leads you every step of the way.

Sheep need a shepherd, and so do we. Life can be difficult, full of challenges and unknowns. But as one of God’s sheep, you are never alone. In Psalm 23, we’re reminded, “The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want. He makes me lie down in green pastures. He leads me beside still waters. He restores my soul” (Psalm 23:1-3). God not only guides us, but He also provides for us, bringing peace and restoration when we need it most.

Jesus Himself says in John 10:14, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” God knows you personally—your struggles, your joys, your fears. You are not just a face in the crowd; you are uniquely loved by Him.

In Luke 15:4, Jesus paints a beautiful picture of God’s love for His sheep: “Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Does he not leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?” No matter where you are, God will search for you, bringing you back to His fold with love and care.

As one of God’s sheep, you are never forgotten, never abandoned. He knows you, loves you, and will always guide you with His perfect care.

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misread the room and told everyone I loved them

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Why I Believe Kindness Within Religion is the Only Way to Bring Non-Believers to Conversion

Faith is not about judgment; it is about love. As Jesus said, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged” (Luke 6:37). None of us is perfect, and we are not called to condemn others but to lead them with compassion. If we want to draw others closer to God, we must reflect His love in our words and actions.

God is love, and it is through love that the greatest works of faith have been accomplished. Jesus Himself showed this throughout His ministry. It wasn’t through harsh words or condemnation that He brought sinners to repentance, but through mercy and understanding. “Let the one who is without sin cast the first stone” (John 8:7), He said to those ready to judge the adulterous woman. In that moment, He reminded us all that only love has the power to heal and transform hearts.

When we approach others with kindness and empathy, we are living out the commandment Jesus gave us: “Love one another as I have loved you” (John 13:34). Love brings people closer; it opens hearts and allows God’s grace to work within them. On the other hand, judgment and condemnation only push people away. If we think that hate or harshness is righteous, we must reflect on what kind of faith we are fostering—one based on fear, or one rooted in Christ’s infinite love?

Empathy is the key to reaching wounded hearts. When we truly listen and walk alongside those who feel lost, we imitate the Good Shepherd, who leaves the ninety-nine sheep to find the one that is lost (Luke 15:4-7). Our kindness becomes a reflection of God’s mercy, showing others that they are valued and loved, no matter their past.

Do not believe in false prophets. Fear gives rise to manipulation. You don’t need to surround yourself with what harms you. You hold the Bible in your hands and in your heart—that is all you need. Seek out other Christians who will show you the Word of God, not the fear of hell. Read, study, and never stop learning.

Many non-believers perceive religion as cold or judgmental, but this perception changes when they witness genuine acts of love. Saint Paul reminds us in his letter to the Corinthians: “If I have all faith, so as to move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing” (1 Corinthians 13:2). It is through love that faith becomes alive and transformative.

Ultimately, conversion is not something we can force. It is a gift that only God can give, but He works through us to prepare the way. When we live the Gospel with kindness, humility, and forgiveness, we invite others to experience the joy and peace that come from knowing Christ. Let us remember that it was through love that Jesus performed His greatest miracles, and it is through love that we, too, can lead others to Him.

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I pray to God to enlighten my mind, so I may never hate, not even those who have hurt me. May my heart be filled only with love, my words carry kindness, and my actions reflect gratitude. I ask that His grace always surrounds me, filling me with faith and peace, allowing me to rest each night in His presence.

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Your Journey to Freedom from Guilt

It’s easy to carry guilt and let it weigh us down, but when you open the Bible, you won’t find any scripture that tells you to live that way. God invites us to repentance, which is about recognizing our mistakes and seeking a new path, but guilt is different. Guilt tends to keep us stuck, while repentance leads us toward freedom and growth.

There’s a big difference between feeling convicted by God and feeling condemned. Conviction is a loving reminder from God to draw closer to Him and live in alignment with His will. Condemnation, on the other hand, often comes from the enemy, aiming to separate us from God and fill us with hopelessness.

Remember what Romans 8:1 says: “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” God doesn’t want you to carry the heavy burden of guilt. Instead, He offers grace and the chance to move forward in His love and forgiveness.

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Random Phrases and Words in French that I like

1. Ça baigne ? – Equivalent to “How’s it going?”, stemming from “baigner” (to bathe). A casual way to ask if everything’s okay.

2. Arrête de te la péter. – Used to tell someone to stop bragging or showing off, friendly yet pointed way.

3. Tkt (T’inquiète). – “Don’t worry.”

4. Je me casse. – “I’m out of here,” often used when leaving an unpleasant situation.

5. Vachement. – Informal for “very” or “a lot,” though considered inelegant by some, it remains a widely used intensifier in casual speech.

6. Se faire des films. – Means “to fantasize” or “imagine things,” often said to someone who is overthinking or misinterpreting a situation.

7. Tarpin. – A Marseille-originated slang meaning “very” or “a lot,” now used more broadly to intensify descriptions.

8. Être dans le coaltar. – Translates literally to “being in coal tar,” used to describe feeling dazed, sleepy, or out of sorts.

9. Zapper. – A casual term for skipping something, whether it’s a part of a film, a conversation, or even a person.

10. Chiller. – Borrowed from English, it simply means “to chill” or relax.

I didn’t make this list recently, but I feel like I’ve been letting French fall behind a bit compared to the other languages I’m interested in. Sorry about that! I haven’t had much time for my study routine, but little by little, I’ll get back on track. You’re free to correct me, but please be respectful! Thank you!

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Kind Deeds Are Little Prayers

Jesus reminds us in Matthew 25:40: “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.” This means every kind deed is a quiet act of love, not only for others but also for God.

Kindness doesn’t have to be grand to matter. Even the smallest action can make someone feel seen, loved, and cared for. These simple moments of kindness ripple outward, creating connections and brightening the world around us.

Just as prayer is a moment of connection with the divine, acts of kindness also connect us with God, as they make us instruments of His will in the world.

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when I count my blessings

I count you twice

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I am so grateful

and so full of love

for this sweet world around me

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The Lord hath done great things for us: we are become joyful.

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When the World Feels Quiet

There are moments in life when you find yourself alone, and the silence can feel overwhelming. But being alone doesn’t have to mean being lonely. This quiet is an opportunity—a chance to listen to yourself, to grow, and to find peace in your own company.

Rather than feeling desperate or sad, embrace this time as a season of self-discovery. Learn to enjoy your own presence, to pursue what makes you happy, and to create a life that fulfills you. Solitude isn’t an absence—it’s a gift, a chance to reconnect with the most important person in your life: you.

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The Art of Using the Em Dash

The em dash (—) is one of the most versatile and expressive punctuation marks in the English language. It’s the punctuation of choice when a comma feels too weak, a colon feels too formal, or parentheses feel too heavy. With its clean, bold line, the em dash seamlessly connects ideas, adding rhythm and emphasis to writing in a way that other marks simply cannot.

What makes the em dash so special is its flexibility. It can replace commas to create a pause that feels more intentional—drawing the reader’s attention to a particular phrase. For instance: “The sunset was breathtaking—golden, fiery, and endless.” Here, the em dash adds a sense of drama, pulling the reader into the description.

The em dash can also step in for a colon, introducing a list or explanation in a more conversational tone: “She brought everything she needed—books, snacks, and her favorite blanket.” Unlike a colon, which is more rigid and formal, the em dash feels fluid, making the sentence feel more natural.

Perhaps one of its most distinctive uses is for interruptions or sudden breaks in thought: “I was about to tell you—actually, never mind.” This function is perfect for dialogue or capturing the spontaneity of real-life conversations.

The em dash’s informality and adaptability can make writing feel more personal and dynamic, but it’s important not to overuse it. When every sentence is punctuated by em dashes, they lose their impact and can make the text feel disjointed. The key is balance—using the em dash strategically to enhance clarity and tone.

In the end, the em dash is more than just a punctuation mark—it’s a stylistic tool that brings personality to writing. When used thoughtfully, it can transform the flow of a sentence, leaving a lasting impression on the reader.

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Breaking Through When You’re Stuck: Creative Steps to Move Forward

1. Step Away to Step Forward: Sometimes, the best way to make progress is to take a break. Do something completely different—take a walk, listen to music, or even just stretch. When you come back, you’ll often find a fresh perspective waiting for you.

2. Ask a New Question: If you’re stuck on one question, try flipping it around. Instead of asking, “Why can’t I solve this?” ask, “What would make this easier?” or “What haven’t I thought of yet?” A different question can lead to a different answer.

3. Think Out Loud or Write it Down: Talking through the problem with someone else or even just writing it down can help you see it more clearly. Often, when you explain it to someone, the solution starts to reveal itself.

4. Break It Down Further: Take the problem and divide it into the smallest parts possible. Focus on one piece at a time instead of the whole. Each small answer adds up and often points the way forward.

5. Imagine a Beginner’s View: Pretend you’re explaining the problem to someone who knows nothing about it. This can highlight the basics and sometimes show you where the real sticking point is.

6. Embrace the Stuckness: It sounds strange, but sometimes just acknowledging that you’re stuck and letting go of the pressure to solve it immediately can relieve stress and help your brain relax into finding the answer. Often, ideas come when we’re not forcing them.

Remember, being stuck is often a sign that you’re learning and challenging yourself. It’s a temporary place, not a permanent one. Try these steps, and you’ll likely find that the path forward was just waiting for a little nudge!