View allAll Photos Tagged Discernment
If you see me on your sim, I'm not looking for customers. I'm minding my business, and usually taking pictures. If you saw my Flickr, you'd know that.
I do not need to troll for customers. I have my own. I do not solicit my services on any sim other than the one my company owns.
I have the right to post whatever I want in my profile. If you or your customers lack discernment, that's not my problem. I'm not changing my profile just because you are whorephobic.
If you're charging people to be on your sim, your rules for dress code and the fact that you don't like seeing swaying titties, is ridiculous and well... I think we both know what your issue is. No whores, no curvy women, no big swinging titties, no fat asses....
Your rules notecard does not state that Dommes can't have their services in their profile, nor did it say anything about soliciting adult services (All it said was no sex, no RP). But hey, it's your sim. If you want to charge 2.89 for people to be on your sim and take pictures, maybe learn better customer service and courtesy.
No I'm not naming which sim owner it is. They don't deserve the free advertising. The 2.89 reference, I'm sure you can figure it out for yourself.
What's really funny to me? I never have this issue, with black sim owners. *sips tea*
Not a happy Happy ScATsURDAY! for me. Blondie is fading away, and I can't find the strength to take her to be put down. Phew!
Praying for wisdom and discernment, Father God Who art in heaven hallowed be Thy name, in the name of Jesus, Amen. Help me, help me, help me. Thank You, thank You, thank You.
I will stand with ANY WOMAN to defend her right to make a decision about her baby
whether that means having an adoption or choosing early abortion.
I have NEVER met a woman who made this decision lightly,
whether she revealed it to anyone or not, she suffers
all her life regardless of what she chooses.
Until we live in a world that cherishes her true potential,
supports the physiology and complexity of her evolution,
how is it possible for her to meet the Goddess inside her -
embrace her freedom to envision the coming world,
to feel it coming alive in her own creative power?
Until a girl can feel safe to explore each phase of her sacred cycles,
how can she harness the opulent wisdom her moontime offers,
helping her to work with the feminine energy as fertile ground
completely nourishing every aspect of her body mind and spirit
as the natural world holds her in absolute beauty and balance?
Commodified for wholesale distribution and profit,
institutions increasingly harvest stem cells and organs from newborns
while ever changing medical and political regulations
construct a new algorhythmic version of colonialism
based on a consistant formula to extract and dominate.
An old Indigenous Truth reminds us sternly
that the welfare of a Nation is determined
by how the Nation treats its women and children
for they are the keepers of the seeds
and I upon hearing this saying,
stand beside my sisters as stormclouds gather.
Until we live in a world that truly values human life,
we must at all costs protect that which is most precious:
The heartbeat of a woman drumming its first connection through a watery womb,
the mind of a woman which must be free to discover and use discernment
and the unconquerable Soul of her that lives on in all future generations.
GF July19/2022
This painting honors all the women who have let me into their sacred space to nurture the mother, the sister and the daughter in me. Some of you had miscarriages, abortions or gave your kids up for adoption and you let me hold grief with you and sing for you in sacred ceremonies. Some of you have placed your children into my arms and let me love them to fulfill something I have never held in my own womb. Your generosity healed this emptiness.
I feel you all in this work of art and know with more certainty who I am and how I wish to walk in the world.
Now that this art project is done, I'll be off on another songquest again and I will see you when I get back with more gems to offer and more visits to your sites again. Be well! Lots of love coming your way!!!
Attire, Personal Care, and the Use of Sacred Ornaments and Amulets by Rovingian Monks by Daniel Arrhakis (2026)
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Attire, Personal Care, and the Use of Sacred Ornaments and Amulets by Rovingian Monks
1 - Clothing and Presentation
Clothing, like many other aspects of Rovingianism, is not merely external appearance, but a visible expression of the monk's spirituality. Its choice is a personal matter, but should reflect humility, sobriety, utility, restraint, and dignity.
Generally, the clothing of Rovingian monks is distinguished by its sobriety and the use of neutral and earthy colors, in harmony with the simplicity of the path they profess. Among the most recurring shades are grays, browns, brick tones, oranges, dark blues, and blacks. Exceptions are reserved, above all, for the Grand Master, the Magistrath, and certain festive or shamanic rituals celebrated on special occasions.
Loose trousers that allow freedom and fluidity of movement
Long shirts and tunics of medieval inspiration
Long capes, hooded jackets, cloaks, and shawls
Stoles and scarves to wrap around the neck or complement the hood
Due to their nomadic vocation, the monk's clothing should favor functional, durable, and adaptable pieces for the journey. The hood, in particular, remains a distinctive sign of Rovingianism and should always accompany the monk, even if resting on his back, as a reminder of his state and consecration.
2 - Footwear
For a life of spiritual nomadism and continuous walking, footwear is the central pillar of survival and well-being. The concept of "Rovingian" monks (travelers/nomads) demands a perfect balance between aesthetic sobriety, extreme durability, and anatomical health.
The choice of organic materials such as the upper (genuine leather) is ideal, as this material molds to the foot over time, offers high resistance to tearing, and allows natural perspiration, preventing blisters and fungal infections common on long journeys.
Mountain and Hiking Boots (Focus on the Ankle)
For the high-top boot that protects against sprains on uneven terrain, the best options follow classic lines, without garish colors, maintaining the aesthetic versatility required by the Rovingian tradition.
Durable Sandals (For Summer and Hot Climates)
In hot regions, sandals prevent overheating, but they should have sturdy soles for traction and leather straps that don't cause painful chafing.
3 - Sacred Ornaments and Amulets
The use of sacred ornaments and amulets also belongs to the monk's personal freedom, and it is common for him to design and prepare them himself. However, these objects should arise from a righteous intention and be in keeping with the spirit of simplicity, discretion, and recollection that Rovingianism advocates.
Common woods
Leather
Shells
Dried seeds
Natural stones
Less noble metals, such as iron, copper, brass, and tin
Conversely, it is advisable to avoid precious metals, woods from endangered species, artificial materials, or elements of animal origin, such as feathers and furs, so that ornamentation does not become vanity, ostentation, or violence against creation.
4 - Personal Care and Hygiene
Care for appearance, health, and hygiene occupies a place of great importance in Rovingianism, as the monk is called to preserve the body as an instrument of service, presence, and discipline. Therefore, he must take care of himself so as not to become a burden to others or a cause of discomfort through negligence. Haircuts and the wearing, or not wearing, of a beard remain matters of personal choice, provided that cleanliness and tidiness always prevail over any form of neglect. As for perfumes, discernment is also recommended, favoring natural, discreet, and serene essences.
5 - Cell Phone Use
The cell phone should be understood as a communication and support tool, never as a way of life. In the present time, its use proves useful, especially in accompanying the nomadic journey; even so, it should remain limited to what is necessary, so that it does not become a source of distraction, dependence, or alienation of the spirit.
The Rovingian monk does not seek protagonism, nor does he indulge in self-exhibition. He should also not contribute to confusion or the spread of falsehood. Thus, social networks, when used, should serve positive, informative, and edifying purposes, without replacing the living reality of encounter and relationship with manipulated virtual constructions closed in bubbles of isolation.
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Traje, Cuidado Pessoal e Uso de Ornamentos e Amuletos Sagrados pelos Monges Rovingianos
1 - Traje e Apresentação
O traje, à semelhança de muitos outros aspetos do Rovingianismo, não é mera aparência exterior, mas expressão visível da espiritualidade do monge. A sua escolha pertence ao foro pessoal, devendo, porém, refletir humildade, sobriedade, utilidade, resguardo e dignidade.
De um modo geral, o traje dos monges rovingianos distingue-se pela sobriedade e pelo recurso a cores neutras e terrosas, em harmonia com a simplicidade da senda que professam. Entre as tonalidades mais recorrentes contam-se os cinzentos, os castanhos, os tons de tijolo, os alaranjados, os azuis escuros e os pretos. As exceções reservam-se, sobretudo, ao Grão-Mestre, ao Magistrath e a certos rituais festivos ou xamânicos celebrados em ocasiões singulares.
Calças largas, que permitam liberdade e fluidez de movimentos
Camisas compridas e túnicas de inspiração medieval
Capas longas, casacos com capuz, mantos e mantos-xale
Estolas e cachecóis para envolver o pescoço ou complementar o capuz
Em virtude da sua vocação nómada, o vestuário do monge deve favorecer peças funcionais, duráveis e adaptáveis ao caminho. O capuz, de modo particular, permanece como sinal distintivo do Rovingianismo e convém que acompanhe sempre o monge, ainda que repousando sobre as costas, como lembrança do seu estado e da sua consagração.
2 - Calçado
Para uma vida de nomadismo espiritual e caminhada contínua, o calçado é o pilar central da sobrevivência e do bem-estar. O conceito de monges "rovingianos" (viajantes/nómadas) exige um equilíbrio perfeito entre a sobriedade estética, a durabilidade extrema e a saúde anatómica.
A escolha de materiais orgânicos como o cabedal (couro legítimo) é ideal, pois este material molda-se ao pé com o tempo, oferece alta resistência a rasgos e permite a transpiração natural, evitando bolhas e infeções fúngicas comuns em longas jornadas.
Botas de Montanha e Caminhada (Foco no Tornozelo)
Para o cano alto que protege contra entorses em terrenos irregulares, as melhores opções seguem linhas clássicas, sem cores berrantes, mantendo a versatilidade estética exigida pela tradição rovingiana.
Sandálias Resistentes (Para o Verão e Climas Quentes)
Nas regiões quentes, as sandálias evitam o sobreaquecimento, mas devem manter solas robustas para tração e tiras de pele que não causem fricção dolorosa:
3 - Ornamentos e Amuletos Sagrados
Também o uso de ornamentos e amuletos sagrados pertence à liberdade pessoal do monge, sendo frequente que ele próprio os conceba e prepare. Todavia, esses objetos devem nascer de uma intenção reta e guardar consonância com o espírito de simplicidade, discrição e recolhimento que o Rovingianismo preconiza.
Madeiras comuns
Couro
Conchas
Sementes secas
Pedras naturais
Metais menos nobres, como ferro, cobre, latão e estanho
Em contrapartida, convém evitar metais nobres, madeiras oriundas de espécies em risco, materiais artificiais ou elementos de origem animal, como penas e peles, para que o ornamento não se converta em vaidade, ostentação ou violência sobre a criação.
4 - Cuidado Pessoal e Higiene
O cuidado com a aparência, a saúde e a higiene ocupa lugar de grande importância no Rovingianismo, pois o monge é chamado a preservar o corpo como instrumento de serviço, presença e disciplina. Deve, por isso, zelar por si mesmo para não se tornar peso para os outros nem motivo de incómodo pela negligência. O corte de cabelo e o uso, ou não, de barba permanecem matérias de escolha pessoal, desde que a limpeza e o asseio prevaleçam sempre sobre qualquer forma de abandono. Quanto aos perfumes, também aí se recomenda discernimento, privilegiando essências naturais, discretas e serenas.
5 - Uso do Telemóvel
O telemóvel deve ser entendido como instrumento de comunicação e apoio, jamais como modo de vida. No tempo presente, o seu uso revela-se útil, sobretudo no acompanhamento do percurso nómada; ainda assim, convém que permaneça limitado ao necessário, para que não se torne fonte de distração, dependência ou alienação do espírito.
O monge rovingiano não busca protagonismo, nem se entrega à exibição de si. Também não deve contribuir para a confusão ou para a difusão da falsidade. Assim, as redes sociais, quando usadas, devem servir propósitos positivos, informativos e edificantes, sem substituir a realidade viva do encontro e da relação por construções virtuais manipuladas e fechadas em bolhas de isolamento.
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Outlining a Theory of General Creativity . .
. . on a 'Pataphysical projectory
Entropy ≥ Memory ● Creativity ²
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Etude du jour:
Allégorie de Camera & Obscura
Il était une fois deux petites boîtes sombres avides de lucidité, deux petites têtes vides pleines de curiosité, dont l’âme sensible attendait impatiente que la clarté extérieure les pénétrât
et fît naître en elles une image vraie de la réalité vraie.
Quand le moment fut venu, elles s’ouvrirent.
Camera, en quête d’Absolu voulait tout ressentir sans chercher à comprendre. Tout percevoir, absolument tout ! Le moment venu, elle décida de se laisser submerger par la plus puissante énergie possible. Toute sa sensibilité offerte à la jouissance
de tout engloutir intensément. Sans aucun jugement, sans penser une seconde avec ces mots qui obscurcissent l’esprit plus qu’ils ne l’éclairent.
Elle s’installa un film hypersensible qu’elle pousserait
au développement malgré son gros grain. Elle ouvrit son diaphragme au maximum, longtemps, et s’abandonna à l’ivresse extatique d’absorber sans retenue tout le flot entropique de la réalité qui s’engouffrait en elle.
Obscura, en quête d’Universel voulait tout saisir sans se laisser émouvoir. Tout concevoir, absolument tout ! Le moment venu, elle décida de tout distinguer avec la plus grande profondeur de champ possible. Toute son intelligence concentrée à tout discerner avec finesse. Sans la moindre distorsion, sans céder
à la tentation de croire à ces apparences qui éblouissent
plus qu’elles n’éclairent.
Elle s’installa un film à grain hyperfin qu’elle développerait rudement pour compenser sa faible sensibilité. Elle ouvrit dans son diaphragme un minuscule interstice, un infime instant, et concentra toute sa scrupuleuse lucidité à identifier la moindre particule de réalité qui parviendrait à s’infiltrer en elle.
La morale de l’histoire tous les photographes vous la diront.
Camera obtint l’image la plus claire qui soit, c’est-à-dire la plus floue à la fois, d’un blanc aussi immaculé qu’uniforme.
Obscura obtint l’image la plus nette qui soit, c’est-à-dire
la plus sombre à la fois, d’un noir aussi immaculé qu’uniforme.
Laquelle eut tort ? Laquelle eut raison ? Laissons cette dichotomie à tous les donneurs de leçons manichéens.
À tous les castrateurs en théologie du bien et du mal.
À tous les marchands de bonnets d’âne du saint marché
des bons-points. À tous les coureurs de records à podiums
comme à tous les collectionneurs d’échecs à médailles.
Observons plutôt comment la perspective née de leurs expériences respectives leur apporta la réponse ultime
à la question cardinale. Quelle image peut-on percevoir
de la réalité vraie ? Qu’est-ce qu’un point de vue ?
Qu’y a-t-il d’autre que des points de vue ? Ou encore,
avec le pictosophe : quelle est l’épaisseur des apparences ?
Désormais, lorsqu’elles choisissent une ouverture
et un temps de pause susceptibles de former des images moins aveuglées, Camera et Obscura sentent se former en elles
quelques soupçons de réalité. Ce sont des images aussi pauvres de sensibilité absolue que démunies de connaisssances universelles. Mais ce sont des images merveilleuses
et magiques, aussi riches de signes ambivalents que de sèmes ambigus, moirées de formes et de couleurs inattendues
comme autant d’innombrables demi-vérités.
Elles sont devenues sages, parce qu’elles savent que la réalité vraie leur est à jamais inconnaissable, fût-ce en créant
des myriades d’autres images. Elles sont devenues sages lorsqu’elles devinent ce qu’il y a hors champ. Lorsqu’elles subodorent ce qui précède ou ce qui succède. Lorsqu’elles soupçonnent ce que cache le halo sous l’infra-rouge
ou l’aura par-delà l’ultra-violet. Lorsqu’elles cherchent
ce qu’il y a ailleurs quand elles sont là, et là quand elles sont ailleurs. Elles sont devenues sages, parce qu’elles cherchent.
Elles sont devenues sages lorsqu’elles se racontent leurs éblouissements respectifs, lorsqu’elles partagent leurs aveuglements réciproques. Elles sont devenues sages, émerveillées d’être des mémoires qui résistent à l’Entropie. Emerveillées d’être sensibles à l’infime épaisseur des apparences. Joyeuses d’y être à la fois transcendantes et illusoires, ici et maintenant, de l’Entre à l’Autre, le long de la Voie du Milieu, dans le pli du Vide Médian.
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Study of the day (debating the Plato's allegory of the cavern)
"THE ALLEGORY OF CAMERA & OBSCURA".
Once upon a time there was two small dark boxes, illuminated with certainties, two small empty heads, full of hope, and whose sensitive soul was waiting until the external light penetrates them to dazzle them with an image of the "True Reality”. At the proper time, they finally opened.
Camera in pursuit of the Absolute, wanted all to see without any reflection. All, absolutely All ! Then, at the proper time, it decided to be totally overcome by the "True Entropic Reality", all its sensitivity offered to intensely feel everything, without any prejudice, without thinking one second with all these words which darkens the mind more than they enlighten it. It installed a hypersensitive film which it will push in spite of its coarse grain. It tuned her diaphragm to the maximum aperture, a long time, and gave up itself to ecstatically feel the whole true light of the whole True Entropic Reality.
Obscura in quest of the Universal Knowledge, wanted all to know precisely, it wanted all to understand and memorize with a maximum of details and discernment. Then at the proper time, it decided to focuse a depth of field as deep as possible, to choose a pause time as short as possible, to be sure to get the highest neatness of the True Real Universal Memory. It installed a hyperfine grain film which it will develop energetically to compensate its low sensitivity. It tuned the aperture at less than anything, and adjusted the pause time at an infinitesimal fraction of nothing.
The moral of the story ? All the photographers will say it to you !
Camera obtained the most luminous image which is at ounce the fuzziest one, an immaculate uniform Absolute Entropic white 100%blank.
Obscura obtained the finest image which is at ounce the darkest one, an immaculate uniform Universal black 100%blank.
From now on, when it chooses an aperture and a time of pause suitable to create less blind images, Camera finally formed in itself several suspicions of True Reality. They are images as poor of Absolute Sensitivity as weak of Universal Knowledge, but they are marvellous and magic images, illuminated by unexpected shapes and colors.
In the neighbourhood of the Absolute Entropy, each cell of Camera opens like a white sapphire prism dispersing and breaking up the Entropic light in colored iridescences. From her cells juxtaposition are emerging lines and shapes, metamorphosing the dazzling Entropic light in simple but unknowable .. shapes, only lacking some .. words to name them.
From now on, when it chooses an aperture and a time of pause suitable to create less blind images, Obscura finally formed in itself several suspicions of True Reality. They are images as poor of Universal Knowledge as weak of Absolute Sensitivity, but they are marvellous and magic images, rich of ambiguous signs and senses.
In the neighbourhood of the Universal Memory, each cell of Obscura opens like a black sapphire crystal dispersing and breaking up the universal darkness in colored enlightening sparks. From her cells juxtapositions are emerging now vowels, consonants and others signs, metamorphosing the gloomy universal darkness in simple but unknowable .. words, only lacking some .. shapes to imagine them.
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rectO-persO | E ≥ m.C² | co~errAnce | TiLt
Two thousand years ago, the Lord Jesus prophesied, "And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom comes; go you out to meet him" (Matthew 25:6). "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20). For the last two thousand years, believers in the Lord have been watchful and awaiting the Lord's knock on the door, so how will He knock on mankind's door when He returns? In the last days, some people have testified that the Lord Jesus has returned— Almighty God incarnate—and that He is doing the work of judgment in the last days. This news has rocked the entire religious world.
Yang Aiguang, the protagonist of the film, has believed in the Lord for decades and has always been enthusiastically engaged in work and preaching, waiting to welcome the Lord's return. One day, two people come and knock on the door, tell Yang Aiguang and her husband that the Lord Jesus has returned, and share the words of Almighty God with them. They are deeply moved by Almighty God's words, but because Yang Aiguang has been subjected to the fallacies, deception, and strictures of the pastors and elders, she throws the witnesses of The Church of Almighty God out of the house. After that, the witnesses knock on their door on many occasions and read the words of Almighty God to Yang Aiguang, bearing witness to God's work in the last days. During this time, the pastor disrupts and hinders Yang Aiguang time after time, and she continues to waver. However, through hearing the words of Almighty God, Yang Aiguang comes to understand the truth and gains discernment regarding the rumors and fallacies propagated by the pastors and elders. She finally understands how the Lord knocks on people's doors during His return in the last days, and how we should welcome Him. When the fog clears, Yang Aiguang finally hears the voice of God and acknowledges that Almighty God really is the return of the Lord Jesus !
Experimental Salvation
by Arthur Pink
SALVATION may be viewed from many angles—and contemplated under various aspects. But from whatever side we look at it we must ever remember that "Salvation is of the Lord!" Salvation was planned by the Father for His elect before the foundation of the world. It was purchased for them by the holy life and vicarious death of His incarnate Son. It is applied to and wrought in them by His Holy Spirit. It is known and enjoyed through the study of the Scriptures, through the exercise of faith, and through communion with the triune Jehovah.
Now it is greatly to be feared that there are multitudes in Christendom who truly imagine and sincerely believe, that they are among the saved—yet who are total strangers to a work of divine grace in their hearts. It is one thing to have clear intellectual conceptions of God's truth—but it is quite another matter to have a personal, real heart acquaintance with it. It is one thing to believe that sin is the dreadful thing that the Bible says it is—but it is quite another matter to have a holy horror and hatred of it, in the soul. It is one thing to know that God requires repentance—but it is quite another matter to experimentally mourn and groan over our vileness. It is one thing to believe that Christ is the only Savior for sinners—but it is quite another matter to really trust Him from the heart. It is one thing to believe that Christ is the Sum of all excellency—but it is quite another matter to LOVE Him above all others. It is one thing to believe that God is the great and holy One—but it is quite another matter to truly reverence and fear Him. It is one thing to believe that salvation is of the Lord—but it is quite another matter to become an actual partaker of it through His gracious workings.
While it is true that Holy Scripture insists on man's responsibility—and that all through Scripture, God deals with the sinner as an accountable being; yet it is also true that the Bible plainly and constantly shows that no son of Adam has ever measured up to his responsibility, that every person has miserably failed to discharge his accountability. It is this which constitutes the deep need for GOD to work in the sinner—and to do for him what he is unable to do for himself. "Those who are in the flesh cannot please God" (Rom 8:8). The sinner is "without strength" (Rom 5:6). Apart from the Lord, we "can do nothing" (John 15:5).
While it is true that the Gospel issues a call and a command to all who hear it—it is also true that ALL disregard that call and disobey that command, "They all with one consent began to make excuse!" (Luke 14:18). This is where the sinner commits his greatest sin and most manifests his awful enmity against God and His Christ: that when a Savior, suited to his needs, is presented to him, he "despises and rejects" Him! (Isa 53:3).
This is where the sinner shows what an incorrigible rebel he is, and demonstrates that he is deserving only of eternal torments. But it is just at this point that God manifests His sovereign and wondrous GRACE. He not only planned and provided salvation, but he actually bestows it upon those whom He has chosen!
Now this bestowal of salvation is far more than a mere proclamation that salvation is to be found in the Lord Jesus: it is very much more than an invitation for sinners to receive Christ as their Savior. It is God actually saving His people! It is His own sovereign and all-powerful work of grace toward and in those who are entirely destitute of merit, and who are so depraved in themselves that they will not and cannot take one step to the obtaining of salvation! Those who have been actually saved, owe far more to divine grace, than most of them realize! It is not only that Christ died to put away their sins—but also the Holy Spirit has wrought a work in them—a work which applies to them, the virtues of Christ's atoning death!
It is just at this point that so many preachers fail in their exposition of the Truth. While many of them affirm that Christ is the only Savior for sinners, they also teach that He actually became ours only by our consent. While they allow that conviction of sin is the Holy Spirit's work and that He alone shows us our lost condition and need of Christ—yet they also insist that the decisive factor in salvation is man's own will. But the Holy Scriptures teach that "salvation is of the Lord!" (Jonah 2:9), and that nothing of the creature enters into it at any point. Only that can satisfy God—which has been produced by God Himself! Though it is true that salvation does not become the personal portion of the sinner until he has, from the heart, believed in the Lord Jesus Christ—yet that very BELIEVING is wrought in him by the Holy Spirit: "By grace are you saved through faith, and that NOT OF YOURSELVES; it is the gift of God" (Eph 2:8).
It is exceedingly solemn to discover that there is a "believing" in Christ by the natural man, which is NOT a believing unto salvation. Just as the Buddists believe in Budda—so in Christendom there are multitudes who believe in Christ. And this "believing" is something more than an intellectual one. Often there is much feeling connected with it—the emotions may be deeply stirred. Christ taught in the Parable of the Sower that there is a class of people who hear the Word and with joy receive it—yet have they no root in themselves (Matt 13:20, 21). This is fearfully solemn, for it is still occurring daily!
Scriptures also tell us that Herod heard John "gladly." Thus, the mere fact that the reader of these pages enjoys listening to some sound gospel preacher is no proof at all that he is a regenerated soul. The Lord Jesus said to the Pharisees concerning John the Baptist, "You were willing for a season to rejoice in his light," yet the sequel shows clearly that no real work of grace had been wrought in them. And these things are recorded in Scripture as solemn warnings!
It is striking and solemn to mark the exact wording in the last two Scriptures referred to. Note the repeated personal pronoun in Mark 6:20: "For Herod feared 'John' [not 'God'!], knowing that he as a just man and a holy, and observed him; and when he heard him, he did many things, and heard him gladly." It was the personality of John which attracted Herod. How often is this the case today! People are charmed by the personality of the preacher: they are carried away by his style and won by his earnestness for souls. But if there is nothing more than this—there will one day be a crude awakening for them! That which is vital, is a "love for the truth," not for the one who presents it. It is this which distinguishes the true people of God from the "mixed multitude" who ever associate with them.
So in John 5:35 Christ said to the Pharisees concerning His forerunner: "You were willing for a season to rejoice in his light," not "in the light"! In like manner, there are many today who listen to one whom God enables to open up some of the mysteries and wonders of His Word—and they rejoice "in his light" while in the dark themselves, never having personally received "an anointing from the Holy One." Those who do "love the truth" (2 Thess 2:10) are they in whom a divine work of grace has been wrought. They have something more than a clear, intellectual understanding of the Scripture. The Bible becomes the food of their souls, the joy of their hearts (Jer 15:16). They love the truth, and because they do so, they hate error and shun it as deadly poison. They are jealous for the glory of the Author of the Word, and will not sit under a minister whose teaching dishonors Him; they will not listen to preaching which exalts man into the place of supremacy, so that he is the decider of his own destiny.
"Lord, You will ordain peace for us: for You also have wrought all our works in us" (Isa 26:12). Here is the heart and unqualified confession of the true people of God. Note the preposition: "You also have wrought all our works in us." This speaks of a divine work of grace wrought in the heart of the saint. Nor is this text alone. Weigh carefully the following: "It pleased God, who separated me from my mother's womb, and called me by His grace, to reveal His Son in me" (Gal 1:15, 16).
"Unto Him who is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us" (Eph 3:20). "Being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will perform it" (Phil 1:6). "It is God who works in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure" (Phil 2:13). "I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them" (Heb 10: 16). "Now the God of peace...make you perfect in every good work to do His will, working in you that which is well pleasing in His sight" (Heb 13:20). Here are seven passages which speak of the inward workings of God's grace; or in other words of experimental salvation.
"Lord, You will ordain peace for us: for You also have wrought all our works in us" (Isa 26:12). Is there an echoing response in our heart to this, my reader? Is your repentance something deeper than the remorse and tears of the natural man? Does it have its root in a divine work of grace which the Holy Spirit has wrought in your soul? Is your believing in Christ something more than an intellectual one? Is your relation to Him something more vital than what some act of yours has brought about, having been made one with Him by the power and operation of the Holy Spirit? Is your love for Christ something more than a pious sentiment, like that of the Romanist who sings of the "gentle" and "sweet" Jesus? Does your love for Him proceed from an altogether new nature, that God has created within you? Can you really say with the Psalmist: "Whom have I in heaven but You? And there is none upon earth that I desire beside You."
Is your profession accompanied by true meekness and lowliness of heart? It is easy to say, "I am an unworthy and unprofitable creature." But do you realize yourself to be such? Do you feel yourself to be "less than the least of all saints?" Paul did! If you do not; if instead, you deem yourself superior to the rank and file of Christians, who bemoan their failures, confess their weakness, and cry, "O wretched man that I am!"—there is grave reason to conclude you are a stranger to God!
That which distinguishes genuine godliness from human religiousness is this: the one is internal, the other external. Christ complained of the Pharisees, "Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You clean the outside of the cup and dish, but inside they are full of greed and self-indulgence!" (Matt 23:25). A carnal religion is all on the surface. It is at the heart God looks—and with the heart God deals. Concerning His people He says: "I will put My laws into their hearts, and in their minds will I write them" (Heb 10:16).
"Lord, You will ordain peace for us: for You also have wrought all our works in us." How humbling is this to the pride of man! It makes everything of God—and nothing of the creature!
The tendency of human nature the world over, is to be self-sufficient and self-satisfied; to say with the Laodiceans, "I am rich, and increased with goods—and have need of nothing" (Rev 3:17). But here is something to humble us—and empty us of pride. Since God has wrought all our works in us, then we have no ground for boasting. "For who makes you different from anyone else? What do you have that you did not receive? And if you did receive it, why do you boast as though you did not?" (1 Cor 4:7).
And who are the ones in whom God thus works? From the divine side—His favored, chosen, redeemed people. From the human side—those who, in themselves have no claim whatever on His notice; who are destitute of any merit; who have everything in them to provoke His holy wrath; those who are miserable failures in their lives, and utterly depraved and corrupt in their persons. But where sin abounded, grace did much more abound—and did for them and in them what they would not and could not do for themselves!
And what is it which God "works" in His people? All their works!
First, He quickens them: "It is the Spirit who quickens; the flesh profits nothing" (John 6:63). "He gave us a new birth by the message of truth" (James 1:18).
Second, He bestows repentance: "Him has God exalted with His right hand to be a Prince and a Savior, for to give repentance to Israel" (Acts 5:31). "God has granted even the Gentiles repentance unto life" (Acts 11:18; 2 Tim 2:25).
Third, He gives faith: "For by grace are you saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God" (Eph 2:8).
Fourth, He grants a spiritual understanding: "And we know the Son of God has come, and has given us an understanding, that we may know Him who is true" (I John 5:20).
Fifth, He effectuates our service: "I labored more abundantly than they all: yet not I, but the grace of God which was with me" (I Cor 15:10).
Sixth, He secures our perseverance: "who are kept by the power of God through faith unto salvation" (I Pet 1:5).
Seventh, He produces our fruit: "From Me is your fruit found" (Hosea 14:8). "The fruit of the Spirit" (Gal 5:22). Yes, He has wrought all our works in us!
Why has God thus "wrought all our works in us?"
First, because unless He had done so—all would have eternally perished! (Rom 9:29). We were "without strength," unable to meet God's righteous demands. Therefore, in sovereign grace, He did for us—what we ought but could not do for ourselves.
Second, that all the glory might be His. God is a jealous God. He says so. His honor He will not share with another. By this means He secures all the praise, and we have no ground for boasting.
Third, that our salvation might be effectually and securely accomplished. Were any part of our salvation left to us—it would be neither effectual nor secure. Whatever man touches he spoils: failure is written across everything he attempts. But what God does is perfect and lasts forever: "I know that everything God does will endure forever; nothing can be added to it and nothing taken from it. God does it so that men will revere him" (Eccl 3:14).
But how may I be sure that my works have been "wrought in me" by God? Mainly by their effects. If you have been born again, you have a new nature within. This new nature is spiritual and contrary to the flesh—contrary in its desires and aspirations. Because the old and new natures are contrary to each other, there is a continual war between them. Are you conscious of this inward conflict?
If your repentance is a God-wrought one, then you abhor yourself. If your repentance is a genuine and spiritual one, then you marvel that God did not cast you into hell long ago. If your repentance is the gift of Christ, then you daily mourn the wretched returns which you make to God's wondrous grace; you hate sin, you sorrow in secret before God for your manifold transgressions. Not simply do you do so at conversion, but daily do so now.
If your faith is a God-communicated one, it is evidenced by your turning away from all creature confidences, by a renunciation of your own self-righteousness, by a repudiation of all your own works. If your faith is "the faith of God's elect" (Titus 1:1), then you are resting alone on Christ as the ground of your acceptance before God. If your faith is the result of "the operation of God," then you implicitly believe His Word, you receive it with meekness, you crucify reason, and accept all He has said with childlike simplicity.
If your love for Christ is the fruit of the Spirit (Gal 5:25), then it evidences itself by constantly seeking to please Him, and by abstaining from what you know is displeasing to Him: in a word, by an obedient walk. If your love for Christ is the love of "the new man," then you pant after Him, you yearn for communion with Him above everything else. If your love for Christ is the same in kind (though not in degree) as His love for you, then you are eagerly looking forward to His glorious appearing, when He shall come again to receive His people unto Himself, that they may be forever with the Lord.
May the grace of spiritual discernment be given the reader to see whether his Christian profession is real or a sham; whether his hope is built upon the Rock of Ages or the quicksands of human resolutions, efforts, decisions, or feelings; whether, in short, his salvation is "Of the Lord"—or the vain imagination of his own deceitful heart!
My 2020 vision is to measure decisions with Quality Discernment. May we all celebrate the start of this decade improving our health, wealth, and wisdom. Submitted with love and big smoochie New Year’s Kisses! ☮️💜
God's supply of our needs is in contrast to our wants. Often our wants are disguised as needs under the guise of human wisdom. ...and without spiritual discernment, we fall easily into the snare of the enemy.
Losing A Feel For Persons
“This demon changes the minister into an executive director of pastoral work.
“Some positions and jobs lend themselves to this more than others. In every case, the gradual and sometimes imperceptible result happens in the same way. Ministers become so absorbed in administration, supervision, planning, and organization that they no longer have adequate time to dedicate themselves to the people for who they are working. Above all, their limited psychological space impedes being close to the ones they are serving.
“The demon of apostolic depersonalization makes pastoral agents so dedicated to the means of action and service that they forget the people whom they serve. Organization and program proposals absorb them.
“This temptation can take other forms. In effect, ministers who become ‘pastoral executives’ will tend to place excessive importance on programs and courses of action. They impose plans on the people instead of adapting programs to their reality—the reality from which the ministerial ‘executives’ have progressively distanced themselves. People, with their possibilities and their limitations, are the point of departure for every ministry, no matter how excellent and ideal the plans might be. These ministers forget that the people should be the ones to carry this work to completion.” Segundo Galilea in Temptation & Discernment (1996 ICS Publications, Institute of Carmelite Studies, Washington, D.C.) translated by Stephen-Joseph Ross, O.C.D.
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David Sedaris' narrator in Firestone a short story in "Barrel Fever" (1984 Little Brown) says:
“What can I do to help?” I asked myself. “I have no tailoring skills with which to repair a torn motorcycle seat. What can I do?”
“What can you do? Give her your shoes,” came the reply from somewhere deep inside my heart.
So I did. I gave her my shoes.
“What do I want with these?” the woman asked.
“That will be revealed in time,” I responded.
Now every time I see this woman I ask, “Has it been revealed yet?” She tells me it hasn’t but when it is I will be the first to know.
EXPLORE # 71 on Sunday, March 9, 2008, # 117 on 03-07-2008; # 146 on 03-08-2008
Picture taken on : Cassarah.
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Title borrowed from:
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These virtual ruins & the music reminded me of one of the largest Romanian amphitheatre that I had the opportunity to visit a few years ago. It was built in the 3rd century in the city of Thysdrus, today called El Jem, in Tunisia. It’s the 3rd largest one in the world after the amphitheatres of Rome & Capua both located in Italy. (See pictures of their ruins in comments.)
Italy & Tunisia were once part of the same Empire.
Understanding our History helps us understand our present & it helps us anticipate our future with more discernment. And all of that is meant to help us avoid repeating the past mistakes.
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Thanks for your visit & thanks for reading. ☺
I forgot that we entered the church during a Sunday service in April 2019 but obviously could not take photographs of the interior.
Notre Dame de Chicago was built from 1889 to 1892 at 1334 W. Flournoy St., replacing an earlier church constructed in 1865 at a different site. French Canadian architect Gregoire Vigeant designed the church in the Romanesque Revival style; its heavy French influence can be seen in its Greek cross layout, hipped roofs and square domes, and height suggested by its two cupolas and its lantern. Because of the declining size of its original French congregation, the Archdiocese of Chicago gave control of the church to the Fathers of the Blessed Sacrament in 1918.
From 1994 to 2006, the rectory of the church housed Casa Jesus, a house of formation and discernment for Hispanic seminarians in the Archdiocese of Chicago. In July 2019, the parish merged with Holy Family Church as part of the Chicago Archdiocese's reconfiguration plan. A pastor for the new parish – Our Lady of the Holy Family – says Masses in both locations but is based in Notre Dame, with Holy Family available for special events and weddings.
The gift of discernment had provided Abba Ammonas with a new vision “to discern the difference between the good and bad in all things” and so to identify and address this state of monastic practice. Ammonas believed that, when cultivated, this gift fostered a particular way of perceiving the true purpose and function of human beings. When we examine those occasions in which Abba Ammonas cultivated discernment, like the audiences that received the words that open this chapter, we will see that it afforded him a means of instructing the members of his monastic community about the limits of human understanding and the nature of divine judgment.
Discernment was a means of establishing a living body, of ordering right relations, and of dwelling with others in accordance with the divine will. Through prayer, the products of discernment might sustain relationships of solidarity and Christian community before the divine.
-Useful Servanthood: A Study of Spiritual Formation in the Writings of Abba Ammonas (Cistercian Studies Book 224)
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[BlackPixel + WhitePixel] = [RedPixel = Tat Twam Asi] or BlueLight or
"BlueWay" or "The stupidity of the Intelligence" or "The Master Game"
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If you can not give love unconditionally and take, it is not love, but a trade. Emma Goldmann
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[...] The brotherly there is the experience of union with all men of human solidarity, of human at-onement. Brotherly love is based on the experience that we are all one. The differences of talent, intelligence and knowledge are negligible in compared with the identity of the human core common to all men.
In order to experience with the identity, it is necessary to penetrate from the periphery to the core.
This relatedness from centre to centre – instead of that from periphery to periphery – is CENTRAL RELATEDNESS.
Or as Simone Weil expressed so beautifully: “The same words a man says to his wife, “I love you”, can be commonplace or extraordinary according to the manner in which they are spoken.
And this manner depends on the depth of the region in a man’s being from which they proceed without the will being able to anything. And by a marvellous agreement they reach the same region in him who hears them. Thus the hearer can discern, if he has any power of discernment, what is the value of the words.”
Brotherly love is love between equals … [...]
Source: Erich Fromm "The Art of loving" (English Version)
Die Nächstenliebe enthält die Erfahrung der Einheit mit allen Menschen, der menschlichen Solidarität, des menschlichen Einswerdens. Die Nächstenliebe gründet sich auf die Erfahrung, daß wir alle eins sind. Die Unterschiede von Begabung, Intelligenz und Wissen sind nebensächlich im Vergleich zur Identität des menschlichen Kerns, der uns allen gemeinsam ist.
Um diese Identität zu erleben, muß man von der Oberfläche zum Kern vordringen. Wenn ich bei einem anderen Menschen hauptsächlich das Äußere sehe, dann nehme ich nur die Unterschiede wahr, das, was uns trennt; dringe ich aber bis zum Kern vor, so nehme ich unsere Identität wahr, ich merke dann, daß wir Brüder sind.
Diese Bezogenheit von einem Kern zum anderen, anstatt von Oberfläche zu Oberfläche, ist eine Bezogenheit aus der Mitte (CENTRAL RELATEDNESS). Simone Weil drückt dies besonders schön aus, wenn sie bezüglich des Bekenntnisses »Ich liebe dich«, das ein Mann zu seiner Frau spricht, bemerkt: »Die gleichen Worte können je nach der Art, wie sie gesprochen werden, nichtssagend sein oder etwas ganz Außergewöhnliches bedeuten. Die Art, wie sie gesagt werden, hängt von der Tiefenschicht ab, aus der sie beim Betreffenden stammen und auf die der Wille keinen Einfluß hat.
Durch eine ans Wunderbare grenzende Übereinstimmung erreichen sie in dem, der sie hört, genau die gleiche Tiefenschicht. So kann der Hörer erkennen, was die Worte wert sind, sofern er hierfür überhaupt ein Unterscheidungsvermögen besitzt.« (S. Weil, 1952, S. 117)
Nächstenliebe ist Liebe zwischen Gleichen ...
Source: Erich Fromm "Die Kunst des Liebens" (German Version)
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Wikipedia: ||The Art of Loving || Erich Fromm || Upanishad || Αα || Αα - Ωω ||
showing or requiring great precision or sensitive discernment; subtle, lovely
a perfect fit
Music: Right Click and select "Open link in new tab"
www.youtube.com/watch?v=2VNjNXsOfMs
So Nice · Tomasz Stanko Quintet
Matthew 6:30 "If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the furnace, will He not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?"
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God admires life of simplicity and trusting Him only. Architectures and great buildings built and erected through time and thousands of years come and go, but that's through the concept of the big society, in fact fallen angel doctrine derivatives who wanted to be worshiped are gods packaged in many shapes and sizes.
Let me jump on my thoughts of churches that focus more on the aesthetics of buildings, and making it a community creche club accepting all and everyone without the transformation through grace of the cross are apostate churches multiplying these days.
Myself don't identify with any of those. As those type of churches are not ordained by Yahuah God himself. Apart from it's being lead by ministers chosen from the criteria in this world ministry, graduates from seminaries, colleges etc. D'you think these graduates are God chosen and have truly the anointing from Yahuah God to be preaching on the pulpits?
It's not the great number of people attending that make a church a great church. In fact the more it becomes a mega church, the more apostate it is. Run-away as much you can from it if anyone has the discernment.
You know an apostate church because it doesn't condemn any sin, it goes a blind eye to sin. It speaks always about love, love,love of God, yet omitting any mention that God Himself is also a judge. This type of churches are afraid to mention types of sin and avoid pointing sin as it's likely to trigger people leaving the church.
This type of churches wanted great attendance and membership for the MONEY. You'll know them by their fruits.
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Outlining a Theory of General Creativity . .
. . on a 'Pataphysical projectory
Entropy ≥ Memory ● Creativity ²
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Etude du jour:
L'allégorie de Camera & Obscura
(ou comment il n'y a de discernement qu'en renonçant conjointement, dialogiquement, à la quête d'une Absolue perception et d'une Universel connaissance.)
Il était une fois deux petites boîtes sombres, illuminées de certitudes ; deux petites têtes vides, pleines d'espoir ; dont l'âme sensible attendait impatiente que la lumière extérieure les pénétrât et fît naître en elles une image vraie de la Réalité Vraie.
Quand le moment fut venu, elles s'ouvrirent.
Camera, en quête d'Absolu voulait tout ressentir sans chercher à comprendre. Tout percevoir, absolument Tout ! Le moment venu, elle décida de se laisser submerger par la plus violente énergie possible, toute sa sensibilité offerte à la jouissance de tout engloutir intensément, sans aucun jugement, sans penser une seconde avec ces mots qui obscurcissent l'esprit plus qu'ils ne l'éclairent. Elle installa un film hypersensible qu'elle pousserait au développement malgré son gros grain. Elle ouvrit son diaphragme au maximum, longtemps, et s'abandonna à l'ivresse extatique d'absorber sans retenue tout le flot entropique de la Réalité Vraie qui s'engouffrait en elle.
Obscura, en quête d'Universel voulait tout comprendre sans se laisser émouvoir. Tout concevoir ! Absolument tout ! Le moment venu, elle décida de tout distinguer avec la plus grande profondeur de champ possible, toute son intelligence concentrée à tout discerner avec finesse, sans la moindre distorsion, sans céder à la tentation de croire à ces apparences qui éblouissent plus qu'elles n'éclairent. Elle installa un film à grain hyperfin qu'elle développerait rudement pour compenser sa faible sensibilité. Elle ouvrit dans son diaphragme un interstice minuscule, un infime instant, et concentra toute sa minutieuse lucidité à détecter le sens de la moindre particule de Réalité Vraie qui parviendrait à s'infiltrer en elle.
La morale de cette histoire ? Tous les photographes vous la dirons !
Camera obtint l'image la plus lumineuse qui soit, c'est à dire l'image la plus floue à la fois, d'un blanc aussi immaculé qu'uniforme.
Obscura obtint l'image la plus nette qui soit, c'est à dire l'image la plus sombre à la fois, d'un noir aussi immaculé qu'uniforme.
Laquelle eut tort ou raison ? Laissons cette dichotomie manichéenne à tous les donneurs de leçons stupides, à tous les castrateurs en théologie du mal et du bien, à tous les marchands de bonnets d'âne du saint marché des bons-points, à tous les coureurs de records à podiums collectionneurs d'échecs à médailles.
Observons plutôt comment la diajonction de leurs expériences respectives leur apporta finalement la réponse ultime à la question initiale : Quelle image peut-on discerner de la Réalité Vraie ? Ou autrement dit, avec la joie de pictosopher : Quelle est l'épaisseur des apparences ?
Désormais, lorsqu'elles choisissent une ouverture et un temps de pause susceptibles de former des images moins aveuglées, Camera et Obscura sentent se former en elles quelques soupçons de Réalité Vraie, des images aussi pauvres de Sensibilité Absolue que démunies de Connaisssance Universelle, mais des images merveilleuses et magiques, aussi riches de signes ambivalents que de sèmes ambigus, illuminées de formes et de couleurs inattendues, toutes d'innonbrables demiVérités.
Elles sont devenues sages, parce qu'elles savent que tout en prenant des milliards d'autres images, la Réalité Vraie leur restera à jamais inconnaissable. Elles sont devenues sages lorsqu'elles cherchent ce qu'il y a hors champ, lorsqu'elles cherchent ce qui se passait avant et ce qui arrivera après, lorsqu'elles cherchent l'invisible sous l'infra-rouge et au-delà de l'ultra-violet, lorsqu'elles cherchent ce qu'il y a à voir ailleurs quand elles sont là, et là quand elles sont ailleurs, en somme lorsqu'elles cherchent, . . simplement parce qu'elles cherchent.
Elles sont devenues sages lorsqu'elles s'interrogent sur ce que pensent et ressentent profondément, les autres petites chambres obscures d'à coté. Lorsque de temps en temps, interconnectées sur le réseau des réseaux des camera-obscura, elles se racontent leurs éblouissements respectifs et partagent leurs aveuglements réciproques.
Elles sont devenues sages, émerveillées d'être des mémoires qui résistent à l'Entropie, émerveillées d'être sensibles à l'infime surface visible de l'inconnaissable, émerveillées d'être à la fois transcendantes et illusoires, là, sur le pli du Vide Médian.
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Study of the day (debating the Plato's allegory of the cavern)
"THE ALLEGORY OF CAMERA & OBSCURA".
Once upon a time there was two small dark boxes, illuminated with certainties, two small empty heads, full of hope, and whose sensitive soul was waiting until the external light penetrates them to dazzle them with an image of the "True Reality”. At the proper time, they finally opened.
Camera in pursuit of the Absolute, wanted all to see without any reflection. All, absolutely All ! Then, at the proper time, it decided to be totally overcome by the "True Entropic Reality", all its sensitivity offered to intensely feel everything, without any prejudice, without thinking one second with all these words which darkens the mind more than they enlighten it. It installed a hypersensitive film which it will push in spite of its coarse grain. It tuned her diaphragm to the maximum aperture, a long time, and gave up itself to ecstatically feel the whole true light of the whole True Entropic Reality.
Obscura in quest of the Universal Knowledge, wanted all to know precisely, it wanted all to understand and memorize with a maximum of details and discernment. Then at the proper time, it decided to focuse a depth of field as deep as possible, to choose a pause time as short as possible, to be sure to get the highest neatness of the True Real Universal Memory. It installed a hyperfine grain film which it will develop energetically to compensate its low sensitivity. It tuned the aperture at less than anything, and adjusted the pause time at an infinitesimal fraction of nothing.
The moral of the story ? All the photographers will say it to you !
Camera obtained the most luminous image which is at ounce the fuzziest one, an immaculate uniform Absolute Entropic white 100%blank.
Obscura obtained the finest image which is at ounce the darkest one, an immaculate uniform Universal black 100%blank.
From now on, when it chooses an aperture and a time of pause suitable to create less blind images, Camera finally formed in itself several suspicions of True Reality. They are images as poor of Absolute Sensitivity as weak of Universal Knowledge, but they are marvellous and magic images, illuminated by unexpected shapes and colors.
In the neighbourhood of the Absolute Entropy, each cell of Camera opens like a white sapphire prism dispersing and breaking up the Entropic light in colored iridescences. From her cells juxtaposition are emerging lines and shapes, metamorphosing the dazzling Entropic light in simple but unknowable .. shapes, only lacking some .. words to name them.
From now on, when it chooses an aperture and a time of pause suitable to create less blind images, Obscura finally formed in itself several suspicions of True Reality. They are images as poor of Universal Knowledge as weak of Absolute Sensitivity, but they are marvellous and magic images, rich of ambiguous signs and senses.
In the neighbourhood of the Universal Memory, each cell of Obscura opens like a black sapphire crystal dispersing and breaking up the universal darkness in colored enlightening sparks. From her cells juxtapositions are emerging now vowels, consonants and others signs, metamorphosing the gloomy universal darkness in simple but unknowable .. words, only lacking some .. shapes to imagine them.
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| . rectO-persO . | . E ≥ m.C² . | . co~errAnce . | . TiLt . |
#11 Al-Khaliq
The Creator
The sky, so beautiful and glorious:
God said, "then turn thy gaze again towards it."
As regards this roof of light,
don't be content with just one look:
look many times; see:
Are there any flaws?
Since He has told you to look often
at this excellent roof, examining it for flaws,
know then, how much discernment the dark earth needs.
Rumi, Mathnawi II:2946-2949, tr. Helminski
The process of seeing is accomplished through the discernment of differences or contrast and this principle of seeing operates on all levels -- JJ Dewey
... maybe too philosophical (did i spell that right?)...
In 1849, the Tallahassee population had grown to almost 1,800 men, women, and children. From this diverse population, four men and five women organized the Baptist Church of Tallahassee. Of these nine original members, one was to become governor and another state comptroller.
Throughout our 172 year history, many members have occupied positions of leadership in private business and industry as well as in the public sector, including governors, university presidents, college deans, professors, coaches, judges, legislators, commissioners, and mayors. The first church building was situated on the south side of College Avenue on a lot purchased for $500. With missionary pastors sent from the Home Mission Board, the membership grew until the Civil War began. There was no post-war record of ministry until 1880 when Rev. A.C. McCants was sent to lead the church.
In September 1894 the name of the church was changed to The First Baptist Church of Tallahassee, and from meager purses, the building was remodeled, refinished, and reoccupied on January 21, 1900. With a membership of 407, a new church structure was dedicated in November 1915 with the coming of Pastor-builder J. Dean Adcock. First Baptist Church continued to serve the needs of the Tallahassee community in the 1920s and 1930s. But the 1940s brought an influx of World War II personnel. When the Florida State College for Women became the co-educational Florida State University, students were filling every service and it was time to build again. Dr. Harold G. Sanders led us through an eight-year building program that ended with the completion of our second-century church in 1957.
In the subsequent years, First Baptist Church recognized the need for additional churches in Tallahassee and responded by establishing six mission churches. Additional structures were also added to our existing location under the guidance of Dr. Robert W. McMillian, including construction of a multi-purpose Christian Life Center in 1974 and administrative offices in 1987. Additional buildings were also purchased in 1998 for future expansion.
During the end of the twentieth century, we gave prayerful consideration to relocating our church. During that time of discernment, we waited on God for direction regarding our place of future ministry. We concluded a study in 2009 and came to the decision that our present location is where God wants us to be for as long as Jesus tarries. Today, we proudly state that we are here…for life, and we embrace that calling joyfully and hopefully.
No other community organization can substitute for us in testifying to the abundant life Jesus gives. We believe that God called us to pursue a phased renovation of our entire campus so that we might be able to offer first-century ministry in a twenty-first-century context that meets the spiritual needs of every generation and life stage. In August 2009, we adopted a set of recommendations for Phase I of our plan, to include roof repairs, renovations to the Fellowship Hall and Christian Life Center as well as the Children’s and Youth Ministry areas. In addition, our plan included a brand-new Welcome Center and Atrium that serve as a connecting point for all of our buildings. In August 2011, we completed all of the Phase I plans, and we began utilizing all of our new and renovated facilities.
As we look toward the future, we are excited about what God is doing in and through First Baptist. Jesus has promised to “build his church,” and as we continue to follow him, we look with anticipation toward his continued blessing upon us.
Credit for the data above is given to the following websites:
search.leonpa.gov/Property/Details/2136251831705
© All Rights Reserved - you may not use this image in any form without my prior permission.
in the evening light
at the coast of baltic sea
*
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
Surprising joyed but very impressed I am on returning from my contact libela's gallery of FINE ART at www.libela.ca/index_html.html
Please journey to her other far away kingdom yourself and open your eyes discerning
www.flickr.com/photos/libela/2371912594/
___________________________
below from www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/s/soren_kierkegaard.html
are a few quotes from Soren Kierkegaard, Danish Philosopher
Date of Birth: May 5, 1813
Date of Death: November 11, 1855
I begin with the principle that all men are bores. Surely no one will prove himself so great a bore as to contradict me in this.
I feel as if I were a piece in a game of chess, when my opponent says of it: That piece cannot be moved.
I see it all perfectly; there are two possible situations - one can either do this or that. My honest opinion and my friendly advice is this: do it or do not do it - you will regret both.
If I am capable of grasping God objectively, I do not believe, but precisely because I cannot do this I must believe.
It belongs to the imperfection of everything human that man can only attain his desire by passing through its opposite.
It is so hard to believe because it is so hard to obey.
It seems essential, in relationships and all tasks, that we concentrate only on what is most significant and important.
It was completely fruitless to quarrel with the world, whereas the quarrel with oneself was occasionally fruitful and always, she had to admit, interesting.
Just as in earthly life lovers long for the moment when they are able to breathe forth their love for each other, to let their souls blend in a soft whisper, so the mystic longs for the moment when in prayer he can, as it were, creep into God.
Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards.
Life has its own hidden forces which you can only discover by living.
Life must be understood backwards; but... it must be lived forward.
Listen to the cry of a woman in labor at the hour of giving birth - look at the dying man's struggle at his last extremity, and then tell me whether something that begins and ends thus could be intended for enjoyment.
EXPLORE # 293 on Wednesday, April 9, 2008; & # 406 on Thursday, April 10, 2008
Wonder Woman: -the harsh conditions of war, perfectly understood, but surely the killing should be cut back.
Shiroko Bokushi: Princess, we are not murderers. It seems unreasonable for you to apply the terms you've just used to the incidents of battlefield executions. Those were not beings capable of moral discernment. They were automatons of evil. Creatures with minds only for destruction. To what purpose would one spare them? They cannot be changed from their nature, so you can't let them free, and it seems a greater injustice to cage them.
Wonder Woman: I know the monstrosities you're speaking of. I fought them personally. But there were others.
Shiroko Bokushi: There were a handful of incidents where-
Wonder Woman: Sabre.
Shiroko Bokushi: -combatants... yes, Sabre, and she does seem to raise the ire of the Justice League. Princess, from what I know about your home, there is much of war, no? And you yourself are a warrior?
Wonder Woman: Priestess, the reason I, and not Superman or Batman, am discussing this with you is because I am sympathetic to your position. I have killed in battle and under different circumstances would do so again. I believe that's the point you were approaching. But I am a member of the Justice League and I would be a poor member if I did not bow to the authority of the organization over my personal whims.
Shiroko Bokushi: Of course, Princess, and I agree with your sentiment. We are to subject ourselves to all authorities of mankind as they are God-given, but this is hardly a "whim". Then it would be no better than murder. But are you not instead carried by a deep conviction for justice?
Testimony of a Christian: How She Overcame the Temptation to Have an Affair (Audio Essay, Part 1)
This question made Jingru’s heart surge again, and she didn’t know what to say. She just silently prayed to God in her heart: “O God! Please protect my heart and keep me from doing anything that would offend Your disposition.” After she’d prayed, she thought of these words of God which say: “Their words nourish your heart and captivate you so that you become disoriented and without realizing it, you are sucked in and willing to be of service to them, be their outlet as well as their servant. You have no complaints at all but are willing to be at their disposal—you are deceived by them” (“Your Character Is So Lowly!”). God’s words once again awakened Jingru, and she knew that the surging in her heart was because she was falling under the control of evil lusts; this was Satan putting its cunning scheme into action to seduce her, to make her live in sin and lose the testimony of a Christian, and to make her sink into physical lust and become more and more degenerate and corrupt. Therefore, she knew that she must have discernment, and must see through Satan’s cunning scheme. Wang Wei was already married—that was a fact—and Jingru knew that she could not be deceived into losing her reason because of some passing sweet words. If she really did take a wrong step and say some wrong things, then she would become Satan’s fool, she would be serving as Satan’s outlet and she would become the disgraceful other woman; the outcome would be a broken family, endless pain for Wang Wei’s wife and children, and she herself would be irreparably stained before God—the consequences were unthinkable.
Recommended for You: What is salvation
Walking through an old semi-abandoned National Heritage site in Cape Town we came accross a van with bottles filled with water and different colour dye. There was no-one around to explain why these bottles where here or their purpose. So it got me thinking about colour theraphy, Heres what I found. . .
Red
Red is a powerful colour that has always been associated with vitality and ambition. It can help overcome negative thoughts. However, it is also associated with anger; if we have too much red in our system, or around us, we may feel irritable, impatient, and uncomfortable.
Blue
Blue is a cool, calming colour and is associated with a higher part of the mind than yellow. It represents the night, so it makes us feel calm and relaxed as if we are being soothed by the deep blue of the night sky. Light and soft blue, make us feel quiet and protected from all the bustle and activity of the day, and alleviates insomnia. Blue inspires mental control, clarity, and creativity. Midnight blue has a strong sedative effect on the mind, allowing us to connect to our intuitive and feminine side. Too much dark blue can be depressing however.
Orange
Orange is a joyous colour. It frees and releases emotions and alleviates feelings of self-pity, lack of self worth, and unwillingness to forgive. It stimulates the mind, renewing interest in life; it is a wonderful anti-depressant and lifts the spirits.
Yellow
Yellow is also a happy, bright, and uplifting colour, a celebration of sunny days. It is associated with the intellectual side of the mind, and the expression of thoughts. It aids the powers of discernment and discrimination, memory and clear thinking, decision-making and good judgment. It helps good organization, assimilation of new ideas, and the ability to see different points of view. It builds self-confidence and encourages an optimistic attitude. Conversely, dull yellow can be the colour of fear
Green
Green has a strong affinity with nature, helping us connect with empathy to others and the natural world. We instinctively seek it out when under stress or experiencing emotional trauma. It creates a feeling of comfort, laziness and relaxation, calmness, and space, lessening stress, balancing and soothing the emotions. Lime green and olive green can have a detrimental effect on both physical and emotional health since sickly yellow and green are associated with the emotions of envy, resentment, and possessiveness.
Second Coming of Christ Movie | "Knocking at the Door" | How to Be Raptured to the Kingdom of Heaven by Lord Jesus
www.holyspiritspeaks.org/videos/knocking-at-the-door-movie/
Second Coming of Christ Movie | "Knocking at the Door" | How to Be Raptured to the Kingdom of Heaven by Lord Jesus
Two thousand years ago, the Lord Jesusprophesied, "And at midnight there was a cry made, Behold, the bridegroom comes; go you out to meet him" (Matthew 25:6). "Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me" (Revelation 3:20). For the last two thousand years, believers in the Lord have been watchful and awaiting the Lord's knock on the door, so how will He knock on mankind's door when He returns? In the last days, some people have testified that the Lord Jesus has returned—Almighty God incarnate—and that He is doing the work of judgment in the last days. This news has rocked the entire religious world.
Yang Aiguang, the protagonist of the film, has believed in the Lord for decades and has always been enthusiastically engaged in work and preaching, waiting to welcome the Lord's return. One day, two people come and knock on the door, tell Yang Aiguang and her husband that the Lord Jesus has returned, and share the words of Almighty God with them. They are deeply moved by Almighty God's words, but because Yang Aiguang has been subjected to the fallacies, deception, and strictures of the pastors and elders, she throws the witnesses of The Church of Almighty God out of the house. After that, the witnesses knock on their door on many occasions and read the words of Almighty God to Yang Aiguang, bearing witness to God's work in the last days. During this time, the pastor disrupts and hinders Yang Aiguang time after time, and she continues to waver. However, through hearing the words of Almighty God, Yang Aiguang comes to understand the truth and gains discernment regarding the rumors and fallacies propagated by the pastors and elders. She finally understands how the Lord knocks on people's doors during His return in the last days, and how we should welcome Him. When the fog clears, Yang Aiguang finally hears the voice of God and acknowledges that Almighty God really is the return of the Lord Jesus!
Eastern Lightning, The Church of Almighty God was created because of the appearance and work of Almighty God, the second coming of the Lord Jesus, Christ of the last days. It is made up of all those who accept Almighty God's work in the last days and are conquered and saved by His words. It was entirely founded by Almighty God personally and is led by Him as the Shepherd. It was definitely not created by a person. Christ is the truth, the way, and the life. God's sheep hear God's voice. As long as you read the words of Almighty God, you will see God has appeared.
Terms of Use en.godfootsteps.org/disclaimer.html
2019 Gospel Movie | "faith in God 2 – After the Church Falls" | The True Story of Chinese Christians
www.holyspiritspeaks.org/videos/faith-in-God-2-movie/
Introduction
Since the Chinese Communist Party came to power, it has continuously suppressed and persecuted Christianity and Catholicism in order to fully eradicate all religious beliefs and establish China as a zone of atheism. Particularly since Xi Jinping became President the CCP's attacks on faith have reached a peak, and even the officially sanctioned Three-Self Church is being eradicated and crosses are being torn down.
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 have prayed for blessings for the CCP for so many years, the CCP has not only failed to repent, but has 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 …
Recommended for You ：Christian Inspirational Movie
Image Source: The Church of Almighty God
Terms of Use: en.godfootsteps.org/disclaimer.html
"The temptation of mediocrity, though seldom part of our awareness due to its complexity and subtlety, needs to be exposed, illuminated, and identified in order to be overcome. In short, it requires discernment. The salve that God offers in the scripture passage--'to smear on your eyes so that you may see'--corresponds to this act of discernment." by Segundo Galilea in Temptation & Discernment (1996 ICS Publications, Institute of Carmelite Studies, Washington, D.C.) translated by Stephen-Joseph Ross, O.C.D. See www.icspublications.org/
EXPLORE # 192 on Tuesday, March 4, 2008
In 1849, the Tallahassee population had grown to almost 1,800 men, women, and children. From this diverse population, four men and five women organized the Baptist Church of Tallahassee. Of these nine original members, one was to become governor and another state comptroller.
Throughout our 172 year history, many members have occupied positions of leadership in private business and industry as well as in the public sector, including governors, university presidents, college deans, professors, coaches, judges, legislators, commissioners, and mayors. The first church building was situated on the south side of College Avenue on a lot purchased for $500. With missionary pastors sent from the Home Mission Board, the membership grew until the Civil War began. There was no post-war record of ministry until 1880 when Rev. A.C. McCants was sent to lead the church.
In September 1894 the name of the church was changed to The First Baptist Church of Tallahassee, and from meager purses, the building was remodeled, refinished, and reoccupied on January 21, 1900. With a membership of 407, a new church structure was dedicated in November 1915 with the coming of Pastor-builder J. Dean Adcock. First Baptist Church continued to serve the needs of the Tallahassee community in the 1920s and 1930s. But the 1940s brought an influx of World War II personnel. When the Florida State College for Women became the co-educational Florida State University, students were filling every service and it was time to build again. Dr. Harold G. Sanders led us through an eight-year building program that ended with the completion of our second-century church in 1957.
In the subsequent years, First Baptist Church recognized the need for additional churches in Tallahassee and responded by establishing six mission churches. Additional structures were also added to our existing location under the guidance of Dr. Robert W. McMillian, including construction of a multi-purpose Christian Life Center in 1974 and administrative offices in 1987. Additional buildings were also purchased in 1998 for future expansion.
During the end of the twentieth century, we gave prayerful consideration to relocating our church. During that time of discernment, we waited on God for direction regarding our place of future ministry. We concluded a study in 2009 and came to the decision that our present location is where God wants us to be for as long as Jesus tarries. Today, we proudly state that we are here…for life, and we embrace that calling joyfully and hopefully.
No other community organization can substitute for us in testifying to the abundant life Jesus gives. We believe that God called us to pursue a phased renovation of our entire campus so that we might be able to offer first-century ministry in a twenty-first-century context that meets the spiritual needs of every generation and life stage. In August 2009, we adopted a set of recommendations for Phase I of our plan, to include roof repairs, renovations to the Fellowship Hall and Christian Life Center as well as the Children’s and Youth Ministry areas. In addition, our plan included a brand-new Welcome Center and Atrium that serve as a connecting point for all of our buildings. In August 2011, we completed all of the Phase I plans, and we began utilizing all of our new and renovated facilities.
As we look toward the future, we are excited about what God is doing in and through First Baptist. Jesus has promised to “build his church,” and as we continue to follow him, we look with anticipation toward his continued blessing upon us.
Credit for the data above is given to the following websites:
search.leonpa.gov/Property/Details/2136251831705
© All Rights Reserved - you may not use this image in any form without my prior permission.