View allAll Photos Tagged Discernment
At first glance, it's just another rocky California beach. Cool but not to exciting. One of the many I post here.
Then you notice the people in the upper left corner and begin to feel the true extent.
Santa Cruz, California.
Jökulsárlón Beach
The last sunrise on this fantastic beach!
Strange as it may seem, all the beauty that we encounter becomes confusing and hinders our discernment of knowing and be able to wait to study the wave drag according to the chosen framing.
No doubt, a place to revisit and explore with more head, fewer adrenalina and a warm rubber boots. ^_*
Nikon D800 + Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED AF-S @ 14 mm
ISO 100 - f/8 - 1.6 sec
Lucroit Filter Holder + Hitech GND soft 3 stops
Life isn’t always about having the loudest voice in the room; often, it’s about having the clearest lens. We spend so much time reacting to the surface level of our experiences that we forget to look deeper.
True wisdom is a quiet, deliberate practice. It’s the decision to lean in, to look past the first impression, and to find the subtle humor or hidden lesson in a difficult moment.
When you change the way you look at things, the things you look at begin to change. Today, I’m choosing to look for the gold in the gray.
What type of person is a Sagittarius?
Sagittarians are typically outspokenly optimistic extroverts who elicit respect and affection from everyone they come into contact with. Sagittarius natives are loyal, smart, assertive, and compassionate personality! They are one-of-a-kind, talented, and have impeccable discernment.
A Christian must not be a fanatic but must have love for everyone. Whoever hurls indiscreet words, even when he may be in the right, does harm. . . . Whoever censures publicly someone who has sinned, or whoever speaks with animosity about someone, such a person is not motivated by the Spirit of God; he is moved by another spirit. . . . I notice in some devout people a rather strange type of kind of logic. Their devotion and good intentions are all very well, but they need to be spiritually discerning and broadminded, so their devotion is not accompanied by narrowmindedness and hardheadedness, that is, a stubborn and closed mind. The premise is to be in a spiritual state, to have spiritual discernment, otherwise one remains at the level of the “letter of the law,” and the “letter of the Law kills.”
-Paisios, Spiritual Counsels of Elder Paisios (5 vols.), vol. 2, Spiritual Awakening, Peter Chamberas, trans., Anna Famelios, ed. (Thessalonika: Holy Monastery of the Evangelist John the Theologian, 2008), 89. 47 Paisios, 2:89. He is quoting St. Paul (2 Cor 3:6).
500px.com/photo/104535909/celestica-by-timothy-poulton?fr...
in the end, everyone can understand themselves only. You are the only one to which you never have to explain what you mean. Everything else is misunderstanding.
Laguna Torre - Patagonia
With so much commanding our attention these days, it’s easy to feel like were drowning in a tidal wave of messages that arrive daily through our phones, computers and personal devices.
At some point, it seems the only way to catch a break is to simply walk out into the wilderness, and away from the constant technological distractions.
I have just completed my second OOAK Photography Adventure for 2015, we went on a backcountry trip in Patagonia both in Chile and Argentina and enjoyed many nights camping in the wilderness. This trip was particularly wonderful because it was my first to this part of the world and a break from the endless notifications that inundate my daily life.
I was reminded of the importance of temporarily disconnecting from the “real” world. Of course, it doesn’t take a photography trip to do this. A walk in the park, run by the river or snowshoe in the mountains will provide ample opportunity to go social media free for a few hours.
In order to truly disconnect I believe we need to either spend some time alone or surround ourselves with people who can also turn the power off. Unfortunately we have become so dependent on this form of communication we found it hard to disconnect..
Just a few hours or days spent away from our devices gives us the perspective and discernment we need when we choose to connect again. By fully engaging in our time spent in nature - breathing in the fresh air, watching the sun set and rise or the way the snow blows off the mountains - we’ll stay in the present moment and away from the perpetual ”To Do List.” In fact, when we let go of all the things that command our attention, we are better able to prioritize and discern what is important. The time we take to refresh our spirits will make us much more creative when it’s time to enter the game again.
What I really missed the most was my beautiful wife and children, I feel recharged by my time in the wilderness and believe I can better handle what happens in the “real" world.
Faith is sure understanding, known as an energy inside the soul. It generates confirmations of the reality hoped for, in the form of experience, argument, and action, and it fosters the emergence of greater insights to come. It is a framework within which desire, personal development, and rational discernment can blossom.
--Mark Vernon, Dante’s Divine Comedy, a guide for the spiritual
Taking the "Extreme Mirror" technique into a more predominantly rectilinear orientation. Fewer elements were employed making the discernment of all the photographic images that went into the total composition much easier to see. This results in one of my favourite hybrids: Surrealism/Abstraction which I find the inspiration for in the work of Max Ernst.
A total of 5 old images from 2011 & 2015 were randomly picked for their colour compatibility then mirrored, repeated and assembled in an improvisation. "One more for the road".
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BEST IN ZOOM !!!!!
Image Created May 12, 2021
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© 2021, Richard S Warner. This image may not be used in any form here or elsewhere without express, written permission.
Take notice of the times!
To those who have the understanding only will know.
You pray for divine knowledge and discernment.
Matthew 24:15-17
"15 When ye therefore shall see the abomination of desolation, spoken of by Daniel the prophet, stand in the holy place, (whoso readeth, let him understand:)
16 Then let them which be in Judaea flee into the mountains:
17 Let him which is on the housetop not come down to take any thing out of his house."
The abomination desolation is happening now!
It is done in the temples with the breathe of Yahuah... don't wait for the 3rd temple erected, it's not even of Yah but of His enemies, that's too late as most duped christians look on that time when the time is now.
I didn’t become who I am alone.
The people I’ve let close - the rare few - have shaped my architecture. Some challenged me and forced me to grow sharper; some offered quiet stability and taught me how to rest without vanishing; some widened the inner horizon I didn’t know could hold so much light.
And others, in their own ways, taught me refinement through fracture; not because they intended harm - though sometimes they did - but because not everyone is capable of seeing someone clearly, even when standing right in front of them. Every bond - tender, volatile, brief, or breathtaking - has become part of my design.
I still believe in beauty, not as decoration, but as something constructed with intention, protected with discernment, and chosen again and again in spite of everything that may try to dismantle it.
"If you yourself do not cut the lines that tie you to the dock, God will have to use a storm to sever them and to send you out to sea. You have to get out past the harbor into the great dephts of God, and begin to know things for yourself....begging to have spiritual discernment. Beware of paying attention or going back to what you once were, when God wants you to be something that you have never been."
-- Oswald Chambers (early-twentieth-century Scottish Baptist evangelist and teacher who is best known for the daily devotional My Utmost for His Highest)
Three bracketed photos were taken with a handheld Nikon D5000 and combined with Photomatix Pro to create this HDR image. Additional adjustments were made in Photoshop CS6.
"For I know the plans I have for you", declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~Jeremiah 29:11
The best way to view my photostream is through Flickriver with the following link: www.flickriver.com/photos/photojourney57/
When I Am Among the Trees
When I am among the trees,
especially the willows and the honey locust,
equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,
they give off such hints of gladness.
I would almost say that they save me, and daily.
I am so distant from the hope of myself,
in which I have goodness, and discernment,
and never hurry through the world
but walk slowly, and bow often.
Around me the trees stir in their leaves
and call out, "Stay awhile."
The light flows from their branches.
And they call again, "It's simple," they say,
"and you too have come
into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled
with light, and to shine."
Mary Oliver
~~~
Later afternoon sun aided by Picasa2.
LARGE enjoy with tags on right.
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Reflect on today's Scripture: March 23, 2008, Easter Sunday: His Resurrection
Acts 10:34a, 37-43
Psalm 118:1-2, 16-17, 22-23
Colossians 3:1-4
John 20:1-9
Easter has come suddenly, with a burst of light!
Now we know that Jesus stands by his promises! In a flash, Christ has changed darkness and death into light and life. Our journey through the struggles of Lent and the pain of Holy Week is over. With malicious sacrilege, evil has done its worst to the sacred body of God's Son. With Mary and John, we saw Him die. We wept at the tomb. Then, before dawn on Sunday, Christ broke through the rock, shattered the power of sin and, according to tradition, appeared first to His Mother, then to the women and the apostles.
As we listen to today's first reading, we hear one of Peter's very first sermons. The curious bystanders were astounded at the change in this man. He comes fresh from the fiery tongues of Pentecost, still in shock at the dream he had on the way to Cornelius' house. Nothing was to be considered unclean. So he is free to preach to Gentiles the Good News of God's forgiveness and freedom for all. Peter and the others are commanded to baptize any who believe in the Christ. So the word spreads through the whole countryside and beyond. Resurrection is the hope of every living person. No wonder the apostles preached with such courage and enthusiasm!
They preached about a God who cared first for people who were poor and powerless, a God whose love governed all His relationships. And He taught us to not only believe in justice, but to act justly.
The Scripture readings during these fifty days between Easter and Pentecost are among the most exciting in the Church year. We burst into "Alleluias" over and over, and joyfully shout "Christ has Risen" this Sunday. But more than just singing, we settle into a new time of reflection on our own program for resurrection in these very troubled times. After all, it is our mission to bring new life to a troubled world. If we don't do it, who will? So let's repack for travel!
As followers of the Risen Christ, the time has come for greater efforts on our part to influence politicians and others on all the vital life issues that are integral to the teaching of Jesus Christ—from abortion and embryonic stem-cell research to corruption in government and all institutions—to proper medical care for the sick and elderly. Jesus teaches respect for every human person, whether alien or citizen. We need to study the document of the Bishops on Faithful Citizenship. Hopefully, many of us will continue our Why Catholic groups. Faith and action begin with understanding and loving the teachings and plans for action of our Church. We have so much to do as hope-filled Easter Catholics. These are critical times, and we must not fall back into laziness or complacency now that Lent has ended.
Let's hope our spiritual blood-pressure is just a bit higher as we proclaim the Good News.
Christ is Risen, Alleluia!
- Msgr. Paul Whitmore | email: pwhitmore29@yahoo.com
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Pope Urges Youth to Form Friendship With Christ, for this is Best Relationship Key for Responding to Modern World
VATICAN CITY, MARCH 19, 2008 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI greeted university students gathered for an annual conference sponsored by Opus Dei, and encouraged them to foster a personal relationship with Christ so as to be able to respond to the great questions of our time.
The Pope greeted in three languages the 3,000 participants of the international UNIV congress, gathered today in St. Peter's Basilica. He then gave the traditional catechesis during his weekly general audience in Paul VI Hall.
"I offer a cordial welcome to all of you who have come to Rome from various countries and universities to celebrate Holy Week together, and to take part in the International UNIV Congress," the Holy Father told the youth. "In this way, you will be able to benefit from moments of common prayer, cultural enrichment and a helpful exchange of the experiences gained from your association with the centers and activities of Christian formation sponsored by the Prelature of Opus Dei in your respective cities and nations."
The conference this year, which ends Easter Sunday, is focused on the theme "Being, Appearing, and Communicating: Entertainment and Happiness in a Multi-Medial Society."
The Pontiff reminded the youth that with a "serious personal commitment, inspired by the Gospel values, it is possible to respond adequately to the great questions of our time.'
"The Christian knows that there is an inseparable link between the truth, ethics and responsibility," he said. "Every authentic cultural expression contributes to form the conscience and encourage the person to better himself with the end of bettering society. In this way one feels responsible before the truth, at the service of which, one must put one's own personal liberty."
A commitment
Benedict XVI said this implies "a mission requiring commitment." And to fulfill this commitment, he affirmed, "the Christian is called to follow Jesus, cultivating an intense friendship with him through prayer and contemplation."
"To be friends of Christ, and to give testimony of him wherever we are, demands, furthermore, the strength to go against the grain, remembering the words of the Lord: You are in the world but not of the world," he added.
The Pope encouraged the youth: "Do not be afraid, then, to be nonconformists when it is necessary; at your university, school and in all places."
"Dear young people of UNIV, be leaven of hope in the world that desires to meet Jesus, often without knowing it," he urged. "To better the world, make an effort above all to change yourselves through an intense sacramental life, especially through approaching the sacrament of penance, and participating assiduously in the celebration of the Eucharist."
The UNIV conferences began in 1968, inspired and encouraged by Opus Dei's founder, Monsignor Josemaría Escrivá, who was canonized in 2002.
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EXPLORE # 382 on Monday, March 24, 2008
Don Quixote’s battle with windmills is a tale that speaks to us all. He mistook simple windmills for towering giants, pouring his heart into a fight that wasn’t real, all while missing the true challenges and opportunities around him. In our lives, it’s easy to do the same—focusing on imagined slights, fears, or distractions, and letting the things that truly matter go unnoticed.
By saving our strength for meaningful battles, we create space for growth, connection, and purpose. The windmills may distract us, but we don’t have to let them define our journey.
maps.secondlife.com/secondlife/Kalepa/120/54/2236
Cat's in the Cradle
When I Am Among the Trees
When I am among the trees,
especially the willows and the honey locust,
equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,
they give off such hints of gladness.
I would almost say that they save me, and daily.
I am so distant from the hope of myself,
in which I have goodness, and discernment,
and never hurry through the world
but walk slowly, and bow often.
Around me the trees stir in their leaves
and call out, "Stay awhile."
The light flows from their branches.
And they call again, "It's simple," they say,
"and you too have come
into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled
with light, and to shine."
Mary Oliver
I just enjoy the shape of this tree in the evening light.
Black and white suited it best.
When I am Among Trees
By Mary Oliver
When I am among the trees,
especially the willows and the honey locust,
equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,
they give off such hints of gladness.
I would almost say that they save me, and daily.
I am so distant from the hope of myself,
in which I have goodness, and discernment,
and never hurry through the world
but walk slowly, and bow often.
Around me the trees stir in their leaves
and call out, ”Stay awhile.”
The light flows from their branches.
And they call again, ”It's simple,” they say,
”and you too have come
into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled
with light, and to shine.”
[a photography book / libro de fotografía, fernando prats]
ADD TO CART / AGREGAR A LA CESTA
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Also available from www.lulu.com/product/tapa-blanda/whe(re)n/14317757
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Prologue in french, english, spanish and catalan written by jef safi with translations by Alicia Pallas and Carles Viñas.
Size: 25 cm x 20 cm. Full color(ed). Soft cover.
Prólogo en francés, inglés, castellano y catalán, escrito por Jef Safi con traducciones de Alicia Pallas y Carles Viñas.
Tamaño: 25 cm x 20 cm. Todo color. Tapa blanda.
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ISBN: 978-1-4461-5698-8.
*
"Toutes ces images agissent et réagissent les unes sur les autres dans toutes leurs parties élémentaires selon des lois constantes de la nature. (...) J'appelle matière l'ensemble des images, et perception de la matière ces mêmes images rapportées à l'action possible d'une certaine image déterminée, mon corps." C'est ainsi que Bergson introduit l'immanence de la lumière relativement au corps qui la perçoit, dès les premières pages de "Matière et Mémoire". Est-ce à dire que Fernando nous suggère ici des fragments lumineux du plan d'immanence ou les révélations obscures d'un de ses plans de composition ? Avec cette emphase la question semble se perdre entre éblouissement et aveuglement. Tentons néanmoins d'y répondre avec discernement . .
'pictosophons !" (from the prologue, by jef safi)
#
“Todas esas imágenes actúan y reaccionan unas sobre las otras en todas sus partes elementales de acuerdo con las leyes constantes de la naturaleza. (…) Yo llamo materia al conjunto de imágenes, y percepción de la materia a estas mismas imágenes referidas a la acción posible de una cierta imagen determinada, mi cuerpo”. De este modo Bergson introduce la inmanencia de la luz en relación con el cuerpo que la percibe, desde las primeras páginas de “Materia y memoria”. ¿Quiere esto decir que Fernando nos sugiere aquí los fragmentos luminosos de un plano de inmanencia o las revelaciones oscuras de uno de sus planos de composición? Con tal énfasis, la pregunta parece perderse entre el deslumbramiento y la obcecación. Intentemos no obstante responder con discernimiento…
¡pictosofemos!…”
#
"All these images act and react upon each others in all their elementary parts according to constant laws of nature. (...) I name matter all theses images and I name perception of matter these same images referred to the possible action of one determined image among them, my body." Thus Bergson introduces the immanence of the light relatively to the body receiving it, in the first pages of "Matter and Memory". Does this mean that Fernando suggests here some luminous fragments of the plane of immanence or the dark revelations of one of his planes of composition ? So emphasized the question seems to be lost between dazzle and blindness. Nevertheless, let's try to respond with discernment . .
'pictosophizing ! "
#
“Totes aquelles imatges actuen i reaccionen unes sobre les altres en totes les seves parts elementals d’acord amb les lleis constants de la natura (...) Jo anomeno matèria al conjunt d’imatges, i percepció de la matèria a aquestes mateixes imatges referides a l’acció possible d’una certa imatge determinada, el meu cos”. D’aquesta manera Bergson introdueix la immanència de la llum en relació al cos que la percep, des de les primeres pàgines de “Matèria i memòria”.
¿Vol dir això que Fernando ens suggereix aquí els fragments lluminosos d’un pla d’immanència o les revelacions obscures d’un dels seus plans de composició? Amb aquest èmfasi, la pregunta sembla perdre’s entre l’enlluernament i l’obcecació. Intentem no obstant respondre amb discerniment...
pictosofem!"
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may you have a deep understanding of your true value and worth,
an absolute faith in your unlimited potential,
peace of mind in the midst of uncertainty,
the confidence to let go when you need to,
acceptance to replace your resistance,
gratitude to open your heart,
the strength to meet your challenges,
great love to replace your fear,
forgiveness and compassion for those who offend you,
clear sight to see your best and true path,
hope to dispel obscurity,
the conviction to make your dreams come true,
meaningful and rewarding synchronicities,
dear friends who truly know and love you,
a childlike trust in the benevolence of the universe,
the humility to remain teachable,
the wisdom to fully embrace your life exactly as it is,
the understanding that every soul has its own course to follow,
the discernment to recognize your own unique inner voice of truth, and the courage to learn to be still.
...Janet Rebhan
my heartfelt gratitude and thanks to all of you and wishing you peace and grace in 2016 and beyond. xo
dawn
Jökulsárlón Beach
This black sand beach is formed from volcanic rocks and sand filled with crystal clear icebergs that are washed up from the sea.
This is undoubtedly a place of opportunities to do great and wonderful photos, especially at sunrise or sunset when the light gets that special Glamour lighting up the icebergs over the black sand.
Strange as it may seem, all the beauty that we encounter becomes confusing and hinders our discernment of knowing and be able to wait to study the wave drag according to the chosen framing.
No doubt, a place that I will revisit next month and try to explore with more head, fewer adrenalina and a warm rubber boots. ^_*
Nikon D800 + Nikkor 14-24mm f/2.8G ED AF-S @ 16 mm
ISO 71 - f/11 - 1.3 sec
Lucroit Filter Holder + Hitech GND soft 3 stops
Feast: August 4
Born to a farm family. In his youth John taught other children their prayers and catechism. Ordained in 1815, though it took several years of study - he had little education, was not a very good student, and his Latin was terrible. Assigned as a parochial vicar to Ecully, France. In 1818 he was assigned to the parish of Ars-sur-Formans, France, a tiny village near Lyons, which suffered from very lax attendance. He began visiting his parishioners, especially the sick and poor, spent days in prayer before the Blessed Sacrament, did penance for his parishioners, and leading his people by example. Had the gifts of discernment of spirits, prophecy, hidden knowledge, and of working miracles. Tormented by evil spirits, especially when he tried to get his 2-3 hours of sleep each night. Crowds came to hear him preach, and to make their reconciliation because of his reputation with penitents; by 1855 there were 20,000 pilgrims a year to Ars. Spent 40 years as the parish priest.
Photo: Parcelle de son linge (From the Linen Cloth) of St. John Mary Vianney
Spending most of her free time at the library has made Angellica quite sagacious for her age.
This Blythe doll is Angellica Nurse of Compassion, posing for “Sagacious” (having keen mental discernment and good judgement) in Blythe a Day on Flickr.
True sincerity reveals a powerful form of clarity and discernment that is necessary in order to perceive yourself honestly without flinching or being held captive by your conditioned mind's judgments and defensiveness.
Adyashanti
WHEN I AM AMONG THE TREES
by Mary Oliver
When I am among the trees,
especially the willows and the honey locust,
equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,
they give off such hints of gladness.
I would almost say that they save me, and daily.
I am so distant from the hope of myself,
in which I have goodness, and discernment,
and never hurry through the world
but walk slowly, and bow often.
Around me the trees stir in their leaves
and call out, “Stay awhile.”
The light flows from their branches.
And they call again, “It’s simple,” they say,
“and you too have come
into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled
with light, and to shine.”
I wasn't planning on coupling a photo with a poem this morning, but... here they are. I was among the trees, deep beneath the dark canopy. It had rained overnight, and the moisture-laden air kept fogging my lenses. I dutifully wiped them before each shot, but then it occurred to me to try some shots without wiping - and this was the result.
Photographed in Marble River Provincial Park, British Columbia (Canada). Don't use this image on websites, blogs, or other media without explicit permission © 2019 James R. Page - all rights reserved.
Introduction
2019 Gospel Movie | "Faith in God 2 – After the Church Falls" | The True Story of Chinese Christians
Yu Congguang is an evangelist who makes a dangerous escape from a CCP mass arrest. Afterward, he makes his way to the home of Three-Self Patriotic Movement Christian Chen Song'en. Chen Song'en's Three-Self Patriotic Movement church is demolished by the CCP, and some in the church, after listening to the teachings of their pastors and elders, pray for the CCP regime, believing that by doing so, they are keeping the words of the Lord Jesus, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). However, many believers are confused, because despite the fact that they prayed for blessings for the CCP for so many years, the CCP not only failed to repent, but even demolished their church. They wonder: Does praying for the CCP actually accord with God's will? The congregation argues about the question but can't reach a conclusion. Later, through reading God's words and the fellowship of Yu Congguang and his associate, Chen Song'en and the others learn the true meaning of the Lord Jesus' teaching to "love your enemies." They also gain discernment of the CCP's satanic essence, which is to resist God and loathe the truth, and clearly see the dangerous consequences of following the pastors and elders down the Three-Self path and relying on the protection of a satanic ruling power …
Image Source: The Church of Almighty God
at the Biltmore Estate. Asheville, North Carolina.
When I Am Among the Trees
by Mary Oliver
When I am among the trees,
especially the willows and the honey locust,
equally the beech, the oaks and the pines,
they give off such hints of gladness.
I would almost say that they save me, and daily.
I am so distant from the hope of myself,
in which I have goodness, and discernment,
and never hurry through the world
but walk slowly, and bow often.
Around me the trees stir in their leaves
and call out, "Stay awhile."
The light flows from their branches.
And they call again, "It's simple," they say,
"and you too have come
into the world to do this, to go easy, to be filled
with light, and to shine."