http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog daily 0.75 2025-10-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1485562059231-P0G1EJ3LOEA5OD1W64G9/looking+over+leevining.JPG My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2025/10/25/it-is-all-about-our-actions monthly 0.5 2025-10-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/f11f8c6d-c8eb-4a88-8d74-0330ff059fa7/peter+denies+jesus.jpg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - It Is All About Our Actions - Make it stand out During the Last Supper Jesus told Peter that he would deny him three times before the cock crowed. After Jesus’ arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane he is taken to Annas, the former High Priest, for questioning. Peter, according to the Gospel of Mark, with curses denies he knows Jesus, and the cock crows and Jesus looks at him. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/a5b3b985-0922-466c-9285-60c4bd9f1448/ruth+naomi+sandy+freckleton.jpg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - It Is All About Our Actions - Make it stand out The Book of Ruth: I think the story of Ruth and Naomi is one of the best in the Bible. It contains, love, loyalty, integrity and a happy ending. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/ad6aa41c-a52a-4d08-bf74-7d14fce5b09b/Parable_of_the_Unjust_Steward_Marinus_van_Reymerswaele+1540+kunsthistorisches+museum.jpg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - It Is All About Our Actions - Make it stand out The Unjust Steward: What has happened is the owner has found out that his steward is cheating him. The owner has determined something is wrong and has determined to fire the steward. You can see in the photo how the owner is bringing the steward to account, but the steward has an idea on how to make this work to his advantage and it includes the associates pictured in the upper right of the painting behind the steward. Painting Mainus Van Reymerswaele 1540, Kunsthistorisches MUSEUM http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2025/7/25/why-do-people-pray-to-saints monthly 0.5 2025-07-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/66727cad-695b-4307-8e04-81d86c49018d/IMG_5975.JPG My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Why Do People Pray To Saints? - Make it stand out Santa Lucìa all Badìa located on the edge of the Piazza Duomo on the island of ‘Ortigia in Syracuse is just down the plaza from the Cathedral of Syracuse. The church, dedicated to St. Lucia has been present with a monastery since the mid 15th century. The church has been deconsecrated and is now used to host special events. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2025/6/27/the-diver-paestum-italy monthly 0.5 2025-06-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/2463bcd5-0830-4311-8b17-4bb68c08d9e9/southern+wall.JPG My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - The Diver Paestum, Italy - Make it stand out On the south wall are five men reclining on couches, continuing to enjoy the symposium (the drinking/dancing/entertainment/etc. which takes place following a banquet). https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1751059153533-1BQX7ZX2DQO8ZCDWODPV/northern+wall.JPG My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - The Diver Paestum, Italy - Make it stand out On the north wall are five men engaged in celebration. The man on left is playing a game called Kottabos where wine is tossed at a target. On the right couch are two men, one resisting the advances of the other. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1751059624915-3C4R9V9EGQMN26CR8UZ0/western+wall.JPG My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - The Diver Paestum, Italy - Make it stand out On the west wall are an elder (he has a cane) and young naked man accompanying a woman playing a flute. They are either entering or leaving the symposium. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/f5f85f57-3b99-4476-8891-e549d3976a26/the+top+slab.JPG My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - The Diver Paestum, Italy - Make it stand out The top slab is the Diver. The five slabs formed a tomb 7.1ft X 3.3ft X 2.6ft. The inside of the top slab shows the Diver leaping from a platform into the blue of water. All five of the interior paintings were created using fresco techniques. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2024/5/8/our-lady-of-the-rosary-in-ftima-portugal monthly 0.5 2024-05-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/84bda7a7-2978-49ab-9522-c7765a91e50e/Chapel+of+Apparitions.JPG My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Our Lady of the Rosary in Fátima, Portugal - Make it stand out The Chapel of Apparitions. Just outside the Basilica and beside the Grand Holm Oak is the Chapel of Apparitions. This open building occupies the place where the tree stood in which the Virgin Mary appeared to Francisco and Jacinta Marto and their cousin Lúcia dos Santos. Services are held daily for the pilgrims visiting the sanctuary, between 6 and 8 million each year. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/35d253ea-abf8-4c53-9817-501e6b045335/The+Last+Oak+Tree+beside+the+Chapel+of+Apparitions.JPG My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Our Lady of the Rosary in Fátima, Portugal - Make it stand out The Grand Holm Oak, standing proudly beside the Chapel of Apparitions is all that is left of the valley where the children managed sheep and witnessed the Virgin Mary and heard her messages. This is not the tree where the apparitions appeared, that was in a tree beside it (where the Chapel of Apparitions stands), but it is where people gathered and recited the rosary waiting for the apparition. It is one of 413 trees in Portugal classified by the Directorate General of Forest Resources as of “public interest” as an icon of symbolism and devotion. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2023/4/23/gospel-of-john-jesus-meets-the-disciples monthly 0.5 2023-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1f004dd6-f175-49b7-a52d-d8cf286bad95/IMG_8490-1.jpeg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Gospel of John - Jesus Meets the Disciples - Make it stand out Jesus appears to the ten disciples. In this interpretation Signorelli has introduced drama in the movement of the disciples. Some have turned away from Jesus. One seems to be reaching out to Jesus, or perhaps push him away. All are head bowed toward Jesus or looking away. Jesus stands boldly triumphant and positive displaying the nail marks in hands and feet. There is also a glimmer of red for the wound in his side. Resurrected Christ Appearing to His Disciples, painting by Luca Signorelli. 1514 http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2023/4/16/the-road-to-emmaus monthly 0.5 2023-04-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/fed91709-c73c-47d7-8070-d3c7e401cca6/IMG_8487.jpeg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - The Road to Emmaus - Make it stand out This fresco from the 14th Century in the Grachanitsa Monastery in Serbia shows three events which take place with Jesus, Cleopas and Simon. On the far left we see Jesus, as the stranger, walking with Cleopas and Simon as they tell Jesus about the events which have taken place in Jerusalem. The center section shows Jesus blessing and breaking the bread then passing it to Cleopas and Simon, when Jesus is revealed to them. The far right section shows Cleopas and Simon returning to the disciples in Jerusalem to tell them they have seen the risen Christ. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2023/4/9/resurrection-sunday-he-is-risen monthly 0.5 2023-04-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/ded975ea-265f-46d0-a1f5-958403ea2d94/jesus+do+not+touch+scrovegni+chapel-1.JPG My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Resurrection Sunday - He Is RISEN! - Make it stand out Mary Magdalene Reaches out to a Resurrected Jesus. In the Gospel of John, on her second trip to Jesus’ tomb she turns away from the empty tomb to find a man she believes is the gardener. In tears she asks where Jesus’ body has been taken. “Mary,” says Jesus and she recognizes him, but he cautions her away from touching him because he has yet to ascend to the Father. Fresco from the Scrovegni Chapel, Padua, Italy 1303-05 Giotto de Bondone http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2023/4/6/it-is-holy-week monthly 0.5 2023-04-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/40cbaf5b-792c-43d7-9889-b45d8837676e/Grunewald_Isenheim1-1.jpg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - It Is Holy Week - Make it stand out The Isenheim Altarpiece was sculpted and painted by Nikolaus of Haguenau and Matthias Grünewald respectively (1512-1516) for the Monastery of St. Anthony located in Isenheim near Colmar, France. The Monastery of St. Anthony was a hospital specializing in the care of sufferers from Saint Anthony’s Fire, a disease caused by ingesting rye grain contaminated by fungus. The result was a burning sensation in the extremities. The centerpiece is the crucifixion of Jesus who is also shown to be suffering from St. Anthony’s Fire. If not a cure for those who saw the altarpiece, it was a reminder that Christ also suffered. On either end of the altarpiece are the Saints, recognized for the healing at the monastery. On the left is the martyrdom of St Sebastian, his flesh pierced by arrows. On the right St. Anthony the Great. As Jesus dies on the cross to the right is St. John the Baptist with a lamb (referencing the Lamb of God) the last of the prophets to recognize Jesus. Mary, Jesus’ mother, has collapsed into the arms of the disciple John. At the foot of the cross is Mary Magdalene hands folded in prayer. The altarpiece is currently in the Unterlinden Museum, Colmar, France. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2023/3/30/the-gospel-of-matthew-journey-to-jerusalem monthly 0.5 2023-03-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/9facb528-bbbf-4724-94b9-e85e8bb5b63c/Parable+of+the+workers+in+the+vineyard+1769+by+Johann+Christian+Brand%2C+academy+of+Fine+Arts+Vienna%2C+Vienna+Austria-1.JPG My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - The Gospel of Matthew – Journey to Jerusalem - Make it stand out The Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard. The owner of the vineyard starts the day by hiring field workers. The workers agree to one denarius for a day’s labor. As the day goes on he hires additional people at noon, 3pm, and 5pm. At the end of the day all are paid. The first group are paid one denarius as agreed. But then the owner pays the others one denarius, and the first workers object. “Why should those who come later, and do less work, be paid the same amount?” “Because I can,” replies the owner. But what we really have is an allegory for Heaven. All who come, either early or late, will receive entrance into heaven. Parable of the Workers in the Vineyard: 1769 by Johann Christian Brand, academy of Fine Arts Vienna, Vienna Austria. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2023/3/22/gospel-of-luke-journey-to-jerusalem monthly 0.5 2023-03-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/bf3ade6c-1360-469a-9302-b8c6a3b9652c/parable-of-the-prodigal-son-cornelis-massijs.jpg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Gospel of Luke Journey to Jerusalem - Make it stand out The Prodigal Son, a story of joy and forgiveness. Jesus is in the mood for parables. He has told the parable of the lost sheep, the lost coin, and now the lost Son. There is a man whose youngest son asks for his inheritance. The father separates the property and gives the youngest son his share. The son squanders his inheritance and suddenly finds himself destitute and feeding swine to support himself. “What is wrong with me?” he thinks and starts for home. The father sees him coming in the distance and rushes out to meet him, full of joy at the boy’s return. They hold a large community party but the older brother who stayed and worked was upset. “Why do this for my brother when I stayed and worked?” “Son,” the father told him, “All that I have is yours but it is fitting to celebrate because you brother was dead and is now alive, he was lost, but now is found.” The Prodigal Son, 1538, Cornelis Massijs, Rjksmuseum, Amsterdam, Netherlands http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2023/3/17/saint-patricks-day monthly 0.5 2023-03-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/4dfe8343-fd51-44b1-8107-48ff5a2d88c4/st+patrick+cathedral.JPG My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Saint Patrick's Day - Make it stand out The exterior of St Patrick's Cathedral as viewed from the northeast across St Patrick's Park in Dublin, Ireland. The cathedral was founded in 1191 as a Roman Catholic cathedral. Today the church is designated the National Cathedral and is part of the Church of Ireland. The church was dedicated to God, our Blessed Lady Mary and St. Patrick on March 17, 1191. Over the centuries it fluctuated from a Cathedral to parish church and finally to the National Cathedral. A major renovation estimated at about £150,000, 1860-65, was funded by Benjamin Guinness one of the family line of Guinness Beer owners. Photo 2015, by David Iliff, Wikipedia, License: CC BY-SA 3.0 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/a2392a2a-f109-40af-b9a5-4d774bcdd449/Rock-of-Cashel-Large-1800x1125.jpg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Saint Patrick's Day - Make it stand out The Rock of Cashel is located about 100 miles to the southwest of Dublin in County Tipperary. The site is a combination of round tower castle, Romanesque chapel, Gothic cathedral, Abbey, Hall of Vicars and a 15th Century Tower house. It was the seat of the Kings of Munster who ruled Ireland as the island was organized into a single country. St. Patrick traveled to Cashel to convert King Aenghus to Christianity in the 5th Century. Photo from: https://heritageireland.ie/places-to-visit/rock-of-cashel/ http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2023/3/13/gospel-of-mark-the-journey-to-jerusalem monthly 0.5 2023-03-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/0567a0b3-856d-4b5a-96bb-52a23245cb28/Jesus-Heals-the-Blind-Bartimaeus-by-Nicholas-Poussin-1650.jpg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Gospel of Mark The Journey to Jerusalem - Make it stand out Jesus Heals Blind Bartimaeus in Jericho. The last event recorded in the Gospel of Mark takes place while the group is leaving Jericho. As they walk through the city gate, a blind man sitting at the gate begging, hears that Jesus is walking past. He calls out “Son of David, Have mercy upon me.” The crowds try to silence him but he continues to call for Jesus. When Jesus asks what he wants, he asks for sight. Jesus tells him his faith has given him sight. Nicholas Poussin, 1650, Musée du Louvre, Paris http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2023/3/5/the-gospel-of-john-and-the-journey-to-jerusalem monthly 0.5 2023-03-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/d47463e2-7f66-40b0-a3d0-7c115732edcb/rasing+of+lazarus+Giotto_di_Bondone.jpg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - The Gospel of John and the Journey to Jerusalem - Make it stand out The Raising of Lazarus Another version of the raising of lazarus, this time from the scrovegni chapel. Upon hearing that Lazarus in Bethany was fatally ill, Jesus remains at Al Maghtas, a few miles away, for two more days. Lazarus is dead when Jesus and the disciples arrive at Bethany and meet Lazarus’ sisters, Mary and Martha. The reason Jesus waited to go to Bethany, is so that God’s glory might be shown through bringing Lazarus back to life. Giotto’s fresco shows Jesus calling Lazarus from the tomb. Notice the expressions on the faces. Jesus is stern, displaying the determination to show God’s power and glory through the resurrection. To Lazarus’ left are the local Jews, eyes upcast and hands raised in disbelief. At Jesus’ feet kneel two figures, possibly Mary and Martha, accepting Jesus as the Son of God. Fresco, Giotto di Bondone, 130-4-6, Scrovegni Chapel, Padua, Italy, x https://diglib.library.vanderbilt.edu/act-imagelink.pl?RC=46567 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/36ff55d2-3e51-440d-93d5-cd125be62a0d/Al-Maghtas+Baptism+site.jpg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - The Gospel of John and the Journey to Jerusalem - Make it stand out Al Maghtas, the baptism location. Al Maghtas is located about 13 miles northeast of Jerusalem near the Jordan River. This is where Jesus and the disciples retreated to after Jesus heals a blind man. They do this to shield themselves from the reach of the Chief Priests and Pharisees. The town is located in the rugged hill country with sweeping views of the Jordan River valley. The site consists of two areas. Jabal Mar-Elias (Elijah’s Hill) is said to be the place from which Elijah was lifted alive up into heaven. It is an area close to the baptism ponds where tradition has said is the location that John the Baptist baptized Jesus. There is evidence of temples, churches, and monasteries being constructed on the site since the 4th Century CE. Al Maghtas was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 2015. This Copyright: © Baptism Site Commission Date: 17/03/2014 Author: Simon Balian Permanent URL: whc.unesco.org/en/documents/137046 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/09146b04-27e2-455b-9fc0-757740b51623/blind+man+and+Lazarus.jpg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - The Gospel of John and the Journey to Jerusalem - Make it stand out From the Gospel of John, this fresco shows Jesus healing a blind man and raising Lazarus from the dead. On the left, Jesus touches the man’s closed eyes with two fingers as in a traditional Christian blessing. Jesus extends his left hand to man in gesture of welcome. In the right panel Jesus, accompanied by Saint John the Evangelist, extends his left hand again in a gesture of welcome while pointing a cross shaped staff at the shrouded Lazarus. Mary and Martha stand behind the sarcophagus, lifting the lid so their brother may rise, their faces stained with their tears. From Baudelio de Berlanga, Spain (1129-34), fresco transferred to canvas, on display Museo Prado, Madrid from Metropolitan Museum of Art http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2023/2/28/understanding-lent monthly 0.5 2023-02-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/28b6b7a5-b22f-4e0e-98bd-d1b81ef7d2bb/Mausoleo-di-Galla-Placidia-jesus+good+shepherd.jpg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Understanding Lent - Make it stand out Jesus as the good Shepherd, https://www.ravennamosaici.it/en/gallery/# Mausoleum of Galla Placidia, Ravenna, Italy Mosaic depicting Jesus as the Good Shepherd. Built in the 5th century to hold the remains of Galla Placidia, daughter of Teodosius the Great. She was the regent of the Western Roman Empire. She died in Rome in 450 CE and was buried in the family vault in Rome. Who is buried in the mausoleum is unknown. Located over the entrance door the scene shows Jesus with his flock. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2023/2/21/the-transfiguration monthly 0.5 2023-02-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/bd399147-c9d6-419e-8eff-d4da3fc7dbbe/the-transfiguration-of-christ.jpg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - The Transfiguration - Make it stand out The Transfiguration of Christ by Gerard David, 1520 The side wings are the portraits of the donors, Anselmus de Boodt and Johanna Voet.. O.L.V.-kerk Museum, Bruges, Belgium https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/473f28f3-a37a-420a-b181-d3ca72cb30d4/Transfiguration-of-Christ-wood-panel-Duccio-National.jpeg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - The Transfiguration - Make it stand out The Transfiguration of Christ, tempera on wood panel by Duccio, 1308–11; in the National Gallery, London. This painting, like others of a group portraying the temptation and miracles in the life of Christ, is located on the reverse side of the Maestà's predella. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/613d5c50-f411-4101-8f91-53391eb31295/church+of+the+transfiguration.jpg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - The Transfiguration - Make it stand out The Church of the Transfiguration, located on Mount Tabor in southern Galilee is about 11 miles west of the Sea of Galilee. It is an establish Christian Pilgrimage and the historical location of Jesus’ Transfiguration. The Franciscan monastery was completed in 1924 and was built on the site of a 4th-6th century Byzantine church and a 12th century Crusader church. Several other locations have also been offered as the Mountain of the Transfiguration. By Liorca - Own work, CC BY-SA 4.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=62632427 http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2023/2/12/the-sixth-sunday-in-epiphany monthly 0.5 2023-02-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/d910f874-14ff-450d-9fc9-6730f06cc574/Pannini_Christ_among_the_Doctors.jpg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - The Sixth Sunday in Epiphany - Make it stand out Panini was one the most recognized figures in Rome during the early 18th Century. Although know as an architect designing villas, chapels, and supporting structures, he was always sought after as a painter, principally frescos for villas and palaces. Some of his paintings used a unique combination of Roman ruins as a backdrop for mystical and imaginary events. Here we have such a combination as Panini paints Jesus as a young man speaking to the scribes and priest. Shown from a distance, Jesus is the central figure while around him the crowd gathers, talking to each other and searching through their books following Jesus’ claims. Jesus Among the Doctors, Giovanni Paolo Panini 1743, National Museum of Warsaw. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/4571eaab-711b-4ed1-a0d3-cc187d8fc47d/Dirck_van_Baburen_-_Christ_among_the_Doctors_-_Kristus_som_barn_i_tempelet_-_IMG_9627-nasjonalmuseet_oslo_%28cropped%29.jpg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - The Sixth Sunday in Epiphany - Make it stand out The idea of the 12 year old Jesus capturing the attention of the elders became a topic of interest for painters during the early 17th century for its dramatic appeall. As seen in van Baburen’s painting, we have the elders closely gathered around the child Jesus. Books are opened and the gestures show all manner of mixed emotions from hands extended and fingers pointing in irritation, to a scholar on Jesus’ left holding his chin deep in contemplation. The elders are in sharp contrast to the calm and peaceful Jesus as he patiently explains scripture to the experts. Christ Among the Doctors, Dirck van Baburen 1622, National museum of Art , Architecture and Design, Oslo, Norway http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2023/2/6/the-fifth-sunday-in-epiphany monthly 0.5 2023-02-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/d3c7375d-94a4-43c3-90a9-dc12b6ba734a/scrovegni+chapel%2C+padua%2C+italy+Giotto+di+Bondone+1305-1.jpeg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - The Fifth Sunday in Epiphany - Make it stand out The Scrovegni Chapel in Padua, Italy is an event in itself. It was built by a banker as an atonement for charging interest on loans. The solution was to build a chapel onto the mansion and dedicate it to the events of Jesus’ life. One of the events is the wedding in Cana, by pre-renaissance artist Giotto di Bondone who painted the chapel over a three year period around 1305. Here we have a much toned down version of the wedding focused on the water jars, Jesus and the disciples, and his mother Mary who seems to be giving directions to the servants. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2023/1/30/remebering-my-spirituality monthly 0.5 2023-01-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/378963a4-1b94-4dd1-bb60-c32131f78be3/adoration+of+the+magi+scrovegni+chapel+giotto++1305+copy.jpeg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Remebering My Spirituality - Make it stand out Probably the most recognized of Jesus’ manifestations to the world is found in the coming of the three wise men. Their presence says the Christ child is an prophesized King, and is recognized as a unique person by cultures outside of the Jewish faith and from a completely different region than Palestine. In Giotto’s fresco from the Scrovegni Chapel in Padua, Italy 1303-05 we have the three magi recognizing the Christ child as they kneel before him. Notice one of the wisemen is very old, one middle aged and one young. We have no idea how many wisemen there were, tradition tells us three because of the three gifts: gold, frankincense and myrrh. In the background are the magi’s servants with the camels. On the right is Mary holding Jesus, Joseph, and the archangel, identified by their golden halos. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2021/5/2/happy-easter monthly 0.5 2021-05-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1619969216316-EWSUVNIY9Z2728E2UIEB/christ+resurrection.jpeg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - HAPPY EASTER http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2020/10/30/happy-allhallowtide monthly 0.5 2020-10-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1604097560111-XKL4WH9OD71DCXMI0TEN/editied+William-Adolphe_Bouguereau_%281825-1905%29_-_The_Day_of_the_Dead_%281859%29.jpeg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Happy Allhallowtide The Day of the Dead (1859) by William-Adolphe_Bouguereau_(1825-1905)_- Musée des Beaux-Arts de Bordeaux https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1604097482969-VL59AO8EZ9V28F0JNH54/Celebracio%CC%81n_de_Todos_los_Santos%2C_cementerio_de_la_Santa_Cruz%2C_Gniezno%2C_Polonia%2C_2017-11-01%2C_DD_07-09_HDR.jpg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Happy Allhallowtide Lighted candles on the graves for All Saints’ Day, Holy Cross Cemetery in Gniezno, Poland 1 November 2017. Photo by Diego Delso https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Celebraci%C3%B3n_de_Todos_los_Santos,_cementerio_de_la_Santa_Cruz,_Gniezno,_Polonia,_2017-11-01,_DD_07-09_HDR.jpg http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2018/12/3/the-end-and-beginning-of-the-liturgical-year monthly 0.5 2018-12-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1543884489132-96RE5BBU6DBPJCRMGGM6/church+seasons.png My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - The End and Beginning of the Liturgical Year The Liturgical Year. The Year starts with Advent, four Sundays before Christmas. Christmas starts on December 25 and lasts for 12 days. Epiphany starts on January 6 and lasts until Fat Tuesday, the night before Ash Wednesday. Ash Wednesday is always 46 days before Easter making Epiphany a variable length. Lent starts on Ash Wednesday and lasts until Easter (46 days). Easter is always held on the first Sunday following the first full moon following the Spring Equinox. Easter season starts on Easter and lasts 50 days until Pentecost when the church celebrates the gift of the Holy Spirit. Following Easter season we have Ordinary Time, which lasts until Christ the King Sunday and the liturgical year ends. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2018/11/20/mawlid-al-nabi-the-birth-of-muhammad monthly 0.5 2018-11-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1542752702875-AM8METAPNFM1S71DYH52/450px-Minbar_at_Masjid_Nabvi%2C_Medina.JPG My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Mawlid al-Nabi, The Birth of Muhammad The minbar serves as the place in the mosque where the imam (prayer leader) stands or sits to read scripture, delivers sermons, or lecture the congregation. The minbar is usually shaped like a pointed roofed tower with stairs leading up to it. Mohammad used the stump of a date tree at the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina, which was later replaced by tamarisk stump. Over the years the minbar was modified to the current minbar at the Prophets Mosque, Masjid Nabvi, Medina https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/b/b7/Minbar_at_Masjid_Nabvi%2C_Medina.JPG/450px-Minbar_at_Masjid_Nabvi%2C_Medina.JPG http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2018/11/7/the-five-days-of-diwali monthly 0.5 2018-11-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1541624460705-7RHO650IFI3O9KU5HEK0/Diya_deepak_Diwali_rangoli_in_goa.JPG My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - The Five Days of Diwali Rangoli designs are passed from generation to generation. Their purpose is to create a colorful intricate decoration. The designs are also thought to bring good luck. The designs reflect traditions, folklore and practices specific to a specific area. The designs range from simple geometric to images of deities, or flowers and petal shapes reflective of certain ocassions. Dinesh Korgaokar on 3 November 2012, http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2018/11/1/happy-all-saints-day monthly 0.5 2018-11-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1541111503003-KUVMLRC41D3MRWNS7FY6/dotd-grave-candles_3489556k.jpg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Happy All Saint’s Day In the Catholic community, All Saints’ Day is a time to think about and appreciate the martyrs and leaders of the Christian Church, such as John the Baptist, the Apostles, or the Apostle Paul who worked to build the Church as Christ’s Body on earth. For Protestants, All Saints’ Day is an opportunity to remember those people who were important and instrumental in our lives. Protestants believe that all people who have turned to and recognize God are considered saints. Here at the San Gregorio cemetery in Mexico City a relative collects wax drippings to place on a fire as he keeps vigil beside a child's grave during Day of the Dead festivities. https://secure.i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/03489/dotd-grave-candles_3489556k.jpg http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2018/10/30/happy-halloween-and-reformation-day monthly 0.5 2018-10-31 http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2018/10/28/the-battle-of-the-milvian-bridge-and-christianity monthly 0.5 2018-10-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1540763421536-714KQ48ZHCGJYMLHSVBP/6835407970_ad0f9c0b66_h.jpg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - The Battle of the Milvian Bridge and Christianity According to legend Constantine had positioned his army opposite the army of Maxentius. The night before the battle Constantine had a vision in which he was told to place the sign of God on the shields of his men and his army would be led to victory. The next more Constatine had the ChiRho placed on the shield of his men and with the start of the battle the fight quickly became a rout. Maxentius was drowned while trying to cross the Tiber River in his escape back to Rome. The Kerch Missorium shows Constantine's son Constantius II, accompanied by a guardsman with the Chi Rho monogram depicted on his shield. Photograph is taken from Ludwig von Sybel, Christliche Antike, vol. 2, Marburg, 1909 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1540763484029-ASB9BI2SRQ84DOK8LNH5/Missorium_Kerch.jpg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - The Battle of the Milvian Bridge and Christianity Constantine was told that by this sign you will prevail. The night before the battle for control of the Roman Empire took place at the Milvian Bridge. The next morning, Constantine had the symbol of the X and P added to the shields of his soldiers and they prevailed over the army of Maxentius. The X and P represent the first two letters of the Greek word ΧΡΙΣΤΟΣ meaning Christos (the name for Jesus Christ). This photo was taken by Lawrence OP. It presents a craved Chi Rho , surrounded by the wreath of victory, a symbol of Christ's resurrection. The carving is on an early Christian sarcophagus in the Vatican Museum. http://lawrenceop.tumblr.com http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2018/9/10/rosh-hashanah-a-new-year-begins monthly 0.5 2018-09-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1536622932866-0N3G25Q5QI2TH7IC5M49/rosh-hashanah-elements-600-620x300.jpg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Rosh Hashanah - A New Year Begins The joy of the Jewish community can be seen in the foods they eat during their periods of celebration. Traditional foods during Rosh Hashanah include apples dipped in honey in order to bring about a sweet new year. http://www.jewishledger.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/08/rosh-hashanah-elements-600-620x300.jpg http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2018/4/29/celebrating-visakha-puja-and-the-life-of-the-buddha monthly 0.5 2018-04-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1525041404772-YWHELAZJB90BZ4KJZ164/1242-n21-Visakha5.jpg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Celebrating Visakha Puja and The Life of The Buddha Thailand is recognized as the administrative home of Buddhism. In the photo a monk reads teachings from Buddha to a gathering celebrating Visakha Puja. Typically families display the national flag and Buddhist Flag, light candles to the Buddha in a temple, offer alms, give to charity and prepare meals for the family. In the temple celebrants, pay respect to the monks, chant, meditate and listen to homilies. http://www.pattayamail.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/05/1242-n21-Visakha5.jpg http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2018/4/20/yom-haatzmaut-celebrating-70-years-of-israel monthly 0.5 2018-04-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1524263546216-ZHM1TJMNO9JYJESTGAG4/Declaration_of_State_of_Israel_1948_2.jpg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Yom Ha’Atzmaut Celebrating 70 years of Israel Minutes before the British Empire relinquished its hold on the area of Palestine David Ben-Gurion, the future prime Minister of Israel announced the formation of the state in the Tel Aviv Museum of Art on Rothschild Street. The date was May 14, 1948, (5 lyar of the Hebrew calendar) Tel Aviv, Israel. Photograph by Rudi Weissenstein https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/b/b8/Declaration_of_State_of_Israel_1948_2.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1524263489686-3CCG76WZ24BZ7S49VGD5/bnei-akiva-girls-dance-yom-haatzmaut-2008-in-kfar-maimon-Lahava-Netivot-Center-pikiwiki-1598x900.jpg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Yom Ha’Atzmaut Celebrating 70 years of Israel Yom Ha’Atzmaut is always proceeded by Yom Hazakaron, the Jewish equivalent to Memorial Day in Untied States. Yom Hazakaron commemorates the soldier who died to bring about the Jewish state of Israel. During Yom Hazakaron flags are flown at half mast. Immediately following sunset, the day switches between Yom Hazakaron and Yom Ha’Atzmaut, and the flags are raised to full height. In the photograph the Bnei Akiva youth group members dance on Yom Ha’atzmaut in Kfar Maimon, Israel, 2008. (Lahava Nature Center/PikiWiki Israel) https://www.myjewishlearning.com/wp-content/uploads/2003/08/bnei-akiva-girls-dance-yom-haatzmaut-2008-in-kfar-maimon-Lahava-Netivot-Center-pikiwiki-1598x900.jpg http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2018/4/1/happy-easter monthly 0.5 2018-04-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1522621319404-GBICMDXZMPW8QR53FTVJ/Raphael+Disputation+of+the+Holy+Sacrament+Stanza+della+Segnatura+Vatican+City.jpg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Happy Easter In Raphaels’ Disputation of the Holy Sacrament, located in the room Stanza Della Segnatura of Vatican City we see Jesus in the scene depicting both the heavens and earth. Jesus, bathed in light is located just below the Father God and above the burning light of the Holy Spirit. Forty days after his resurrection, according to the Gospel of Luke, Jesus ascends into heaven where he takes his place beside the Father God as the advocate for all of mankind. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2018/3/25/it-is-palm-sunday monthly 0.5 2018-03-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1522019748648-D43G6JPRU1NSQ9LABFJ9/jesus.donkey.jpg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - It Is Palm Sunday! All of the intrigue of the greatest story ever told comes together at this point. We have the Son of God riding into the City of God. We have the crowds cheering him as their chosen king. We have the Jewish leaders fearful on two points: 1) concerned about losing their influence over the people and 2) afraid the Roman rulers will see the seeds of an insurrection and remove them from their positions of power. Looking back over the 2,000 years since these events happened, we can see that no one could have foreseen the results of this entry into Jerusalem. http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6q8IlifhxU4/UU8xVRZFbDI/AAAAAAAAJ4U/vHzV-PojPhs/s320/jesus.donkey.jpg http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2018/3/18/saint-patricks-day monthly 0.5 2018-03-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1521411803108-5MHZES2RK8QVOK6WJIE3/St.-Patrick-black-and-white-350x237.jpg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Saint Patrick’s Day As time passed legends of the Saint who saved Ireland for Christianity grew in the telling. One story is that Patrick drove the snakes from Ireland. To be clear Ireland never did have snakes. The actions surrounding the event probably go back to the conflicts Patrick had with the druids who were the non-Christian religious leaders of Ireland in the 400s. http://blog.godreports.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/03/St.-Patrick-black-and-white.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1521411663426-FF4OER6DP4THV4K5KTMD/Saint-Patrick-001.jpg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Saint Patrick’s Day Tradition has it that the concept of the Christian Trinity was difficult for the Irish to understand. The idea of God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit being three separate identities yet inhabiting one person was a profound religious mystery. As the story goes, Saint Patrick explained the Trinity using a shamrock. The shamrock has three petals growing from a single stalk. The Trinity is the resembles the shamrock with God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit emanating from the same being. https://epicpew.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/03/Saint-Patrick-001.jpg http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2018/3/6/holi-the-hindu-spring-festival-of-color monthly 0.5 2018-03-07 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1520385480062-OJL7SKZ1NDMTP6GHBIYT/Holi_Bonfire_Udaipur.jpg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Holi, the Hindu Spring Festival of Color The origin of the festival is shrouded in the Hindu mystic of good triumphing over evil. It starts with King Hiranyakashipu, his son Pradlada and Pradlada’s evil aunt Holika. Bonfires are a significant part of the evening celebration where Holika is burned on pyre and Hiranyakashipu in spite of his powers over death is killed by Vishnu. https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/7/73/Holi_Bonfire_Udaipur.jpg/170px-Holi_Bonfire_Udaipur.jpg http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2018/3/5/purim-and-saint-david-of-wales-march-1 monthly 0.5 2018-03-05 http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2018/2/26/bahai-intercalary-days monthly 0.5 2018-02-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1519661835047-PUNSZBOVMK7ECPSJHMZ4/1052px-Ringstone.svg.png My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Baha’I Intercalary Days The Ringstone Symbol, next to the five pointed star, is the most commonly used in the Baha’i faith. Found on rings it is also used on necklaces, book covers, paintings, etc. The symbol was designed by Abdu’l-Baha, the son of Bah’a’u’llah, a primary founder of the faith. The lower line represents humanity and the created world. The upper line represents God. The middle line stands for the site of revelation (Manifestation of God) where people link with God. The vertical line is the Holy Spirit proceeding from God to mankind through the Manifestation point where we meet with God. The two stars stand for Bah’a’u’llah and Bab the founders of the faith. https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/5/5f/Ringstone.svg/150px-Ringstone.svg.png https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1519661787052-GJ51325LO3VMNKHGE4L1/world+embracing+vision.jpg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Baha’I Intercalary Days I have been very impressed with how inclusive a faith the Baha’i is. The faith founded in the mid 1800s in Iran recognizes the prophets and leaders of most monotheistic religions including Buddha, Moses, Jesus, and Muhammad. Essentially Baha’I followers believe in the worthiness of all religions and work toward the unity and equality of all people. While pictures are sparse images of inspirational sayings such as this one abound. https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/736x/fd/04/86/fd0486a3db4166b32a0df1acafddb79d--faith-quotes-inspiration-quotes.jpg   http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2018/2/18/celebrating-orthodox-sunday monthly 0.5 2018-02-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1518987560290-07OXNGF3RJKWQCQRBORC/madona+and+child+Filippo+Lippi+copy.jpg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Celebrating Orthodox Sunday Hanging in the Uffizi Gallery in Florence, this Madonna and Child (1440-1445) by Filippo Lippi demonstrates how the icons adapted to the evolution in painting in the Renaissance. Commissioned by the Medici family as an altarpiece for the Novitiate Chapel the style has moved from the traditional Byzantine flat surface of the typical icon to the more three dimensional and dramatic depiction of the Madonna and child’s surroundings. According to the accompanying description in the Uffizi: St Francis receives the Stigmata and St. Cosmas and St. Damian heal Justinian; the Nativity; the martyrdom of St Cosmas and St Damian, the Miracle of St Anthony http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2018/2/14/it-is-ash-wednesday monthly 0.5 2018-02-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1518622976342-0GT6HHNXG6HO662DHQ1N/Carl_Spitzweg_-_Aschermittwoch.jpg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - It Is Ash Wednesday The End of Carnival, by Carl Spitzweg. Throughout the Christian World Epiphany is celebrated as a joyous occasion where we recognize Christ manifesting in our lives and in the lives of the people around us. The end of the Epiphany is often celebrated with carnivals. The most famous Carnival (Mardi Gras / Fat Tuesday) in the United States takes place in New Orleans. Fat Tuesday is in response to Lent, which begins the following day. Lent is traditionally a time of fasting and penitence so before starting this solemn period people enjoy with the preceding Tuesday by eating rich foods. https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/1/1f/Carl_Spitzweg_-_Aschermittwoch.jpg/800px-Carl_Spitzweg_-_Aschermittwoch.jpg http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2018/2/1/tu-bishvat-the-birthday-of-the-trees monthly 0.5 2018-02-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1517531785062-918BQCZW4Y96NH62KQ5N/Fig-tree-Umm-al-Hedamus-tb060403141-bibleplaces.jpg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Tu Bishvat, the Birthday of the Trees A fig tree on a hillside in Israel. The tree stands 20 feet tall. Each tree produces two crops. The first crop is eaten. The second crop is dried for the winter. Deuteronomy 8 tells us to follow our Lord and he will lead us through the parched and barren land to a good land with springs flowing in the valleys. This new land will be a land with five fruits and two grains. The two grains are wheat and barley. The five fruits are grapes, figs, olives, dates and pomegranates. https://www.bibleplaces.com/fig-trees/ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1517531626293-ROCPIPEF1UKIQR4L1XC4/young+people+plan+trees.png My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Tu Bishvat, the Birthday of the Trees Today Tu Bishvat is looked upon as an opportunity to teach the next generation about ecology, the environment and stewardship for the gifts God has given us. The holiday is celebrated in a congregational setting. In addition to planting trees there is also a seder meal similar to the seder celebrated at Passover. https://www.myjewishlearning.com/article/tu-bishvat-practices/ http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2018/1/27/the-conversion-of-paul monthly 0.5 2018-01-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1517066488601-ZHVWU0L6RJP8CL1E77N4/american+chapel+st+pauls+cathederal+copy.JPG My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - The Conversion of Paul The American Chapel in St Paul’s Cathedral in London. At the east end of the Cathedral behind the High Altar is the American Memorial Chapel, also known as the Jesus Chapel. This part of the Cathedral was destroyed during the Blitz and as part of the restoration it was decided that Britain should commemorate the 28,000 Americans stationed in the UK during WW2. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1517066538255-WDVJUUW8F1OMTZ7YSFQK/pual+church+rocket.JPG My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - The Conversion of Paul The images that adorn the american addition are wood, metalwork and stained glass, include depictions of the flora and fauna of North America. The windows feature the American state symbols and the limewood paneling incorporates a rocket - a tribute to America's achievements in space. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2017/12/25/every-event-is-an-opportunity monthly 0.5 2017-12-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1514247983274-FAYVTKWPG1M896G6F6O6/not+much+for+possessions.jpg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Every Event Is An Opportunity The inside of our new apartment from the deck. Not much there except a borrowed chair and a few other borrowed items from the generosity of our friends. We left with our computers, phones, iPads, a couple of changes of clothes, one of two cars and the contents of the lock box. Most important we are safe and sound and have each other. What more do we need to rebuild our life? https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1514247851240-JRH1YEZNLR9L8X1B2X5Q/our+new+apartment.jpg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Every Event Is An Opportunity Life goes on. We have a new apartment located in a complex which sits on the beach front promenade. It will take some time to rebuild our new apartment but then we are in no hurry. We need to explore our options and enjoy the adventure. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2017/12/3/there-is-light-shining-in-the-darkness-welcome-to-advent monthly 0.5 2017-12-04 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1512422631454-KM3XZDH4265P1MW4JSKC/St+Patrick%27s+Advent-Wreath-5.jpg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - There is Light Shining in the Darkness Welcome to Advent The Advent Wreath has a long tradition in both the Protestant and Catholic religions. It is believed to have started as a pre-Christian activity by the Germanic and Scandinavian people’s practice of using evergreen wreaths to hold candles during the long cold dark nights of the northern winters. The candles brought light to chase away the darkness and the greenery brought pleasant thoughts of the spring which will soon arrive. The practice was adopted into the Christian religion during the Middle Ages and used as a visual aid to help believers prepare their hearts and minds for Christ’s Second Coming. It later evolved into receiving the gift of the Christ Child at Christmas. The wreath changed into an evergreen circle representing the continuous life found in God and candles were given meanings of hope, peace, joy and love. This Advent Wreath picture was taken from St. Patrick’s Church Hamtilon, Ontario. http://www.stpatrickshamilton.ca/advent-wreath-5/ Reference materials from Rev. William Saunders “The History of the Advent Wreath” https://www.catholiceducation.org/en/culture/catholic-contributions/the-history-of-the-advent-wreath.html   http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2017/12/1/mawlid-an-nabi-the-birth-of-the-prophet-mohammad monthly 0.5 2017-12-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1512168513283-ZEJNK5AK8X5ULWK2E0NN/interior_view_of_blue_mosque_istanbul_560656.jpg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Mawlid an Nabi, The Birth of the Prophet Mohammad Since they were unable to visually depict living things the artist of Islam developed the most splendid forms of Calligraphy and geometric patterns to decorate their religious books and interiors of their Mosques. This picture is an interior view of the Blue Mosque in Istanbul. http://images.all-free-download.com/images/graphicthumb/interior_view_of_blue_mosque_istanbul_560656.jpg http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2017/11/28/the-ascension-of-abdul-bah monthly 0.5 2017-11-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1511919454725-5NTUPD97B5H3DQI44Z5C/response-call-bahaullah-img-1.jpg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - The Ascension of `Abdu’l-Bahá The Baha’ i belive that it is critical to the spiritual development of their members to be involved in the local community doing what ever they can to improve all lives. They follow faithfully this quote by Abdu’l-Bahá. “What are the requirements? Love for mankind, sincerity toward all, reflecting the oneness of the world of humanity, philanthropy, becoming enkindled with the fire of the love of God, attainment to the knowledge of God and that which is conducive to human welfare.” http://www.bahai.org/action/response-call-bahaullah/ Copyright © Bahá'í International Community” http://media.bahai.org/ http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2017/11/21/how-many-die-before-we-decide-enough-is-enough monthly 0.5 2017-11-21 http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2017/10/20/i-can-control-how-i-respond monthly 0.5 2017-10-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1508535035777-SC2LEW6EJMNTSYGNSAXC/rock+sculpture+10-11.JPG My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - I Can Control How I Respond I have no idea who this person is. I noticed him as we walked past along the Promenade. As we came back an hour later there were balancing rock sculptures appearing. The next day there were more. A few days later they were gone as traffic and winds took their toll on the figures. I do not know if anyone has ever thanked him for his effort. The next time I pass by, I will tell him how much I appreciated his efforts. They make me happy twice, first when I saw them in the moment, and now when I remember them. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2017/9/11/given-time-it-will-all-work-out monthly 0.5 2017-09-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1505170700877-V746TXURRTPUB14HEF5W/chateau+de+chambord+chambord+loir-et-cher+france.jpeg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Given Time It Will All Work Out Francis I ,King of France, built this humble hunting lodge called Chateau de Chambord in the Loire Valley at the beginning of his rein in 1519. During his 28 year rein he spent a total of 7 weeks staying at the chateau. The chateau has a total of 440 rooms, 282 fireplaces, and 84 staircases. Just the right amount of space to manage Frances’s retinue of 2,000 servants and staff. Being the King had its privileges. https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Château_de_Chambord http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2017/7/23/so-much-going-on monthly 0.5 2017-07-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1500841128465-ZG1FYSGLNVE8SBT40YST/image-asset.jpeg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - So Much Going On Enjoying a few minutes on the beach these mastiffs participated in the Seaside Spectacular All Breed dog Show hled at the VENTURa County Fair Grounds June 29 to july 2. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1500841372574-57F4R6Z5V425OFPHZXYX/image-asset.jpeg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - So Much Going On three VOLUNTEERS walk the promenade during a beach cleanup on june 24. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1500840360818-CMMZ632F2TI9UYFG2M2B/image-asset.jpeg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - So Much Going On A Jumper proceeding through the gates at the Ventura County Fiar Youth Horse Show. the show was held July 14, 15, and 16. The show included a series of classes from jumping, to OBSTACLE and trail courses to pleasure classes. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2017/6/11/dancing-in-the-bubbles monthly 0.5 2017-06-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1497225524444-O7HDO1ZK0QG3W0510DNQ/eye+pod My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Dancing In The Bubbles Nearing the top. Standing 443 feet tall (the wheel is 394 feet in diameter) it has 32 pods (an “Eye” pod for each of the 32 London Boroughs) each weighing about 10 tons and holding 25 people. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1497224706077-LHZTZC7E592I5DEP8YNW/bubble+maker My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Dancing In The Bubbles With a bucket of soapy water and hoops attached to long rods a man created a moment of fun for all the children. Adults laughed as they watched. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1497224909110-VU5ZIR8EMCZ99PRSKOOH/playing+in+the+bubbles My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Dancing In The Bubbles With a bucket of soapy water and hoops attached to long rods a man created a moment of fun for all the children. Adults laughed as they watched. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1497225241623-PVEU5BBWW5FOSY40R0OM/london+eye+loading My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Dancing In The Bubbles People getting on the london eye. The London Eye is the single biggest Ferris wheel and the largest attraction in the United Kingdom. One rotation takes about 30 minutes (10 inches per second). About 3.8 million people a year ride the Eye. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2017/5/22/putting-our-beliefs-into-practice monthly 0.5 2017-05-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1495465090326-OZNXIOG8XSHB08XYFZ6W/Sheep+with+stones My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Putting Our Belief's Into Practice https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1495464997008-GSF68ATXD1REULZZFNLF/Walking+around+stone+circle My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Putting Our Belief's Into Practice http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2017/5/17/a-case-of-people-enjoying-living monthly 0.5 2017-05-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1495038677898-40WWL4GE864SU3XVPTDY/Guitar+Player+Bath My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - A Case Of People Enjoying Living https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1495038815931-07AP2HIEJWXFHT8EWQQN/Violin+duet+Bath My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - A Case Of People Enjoying Living http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2017/5/12/its-a-world-made-of-people monthly 0.5 2017-05-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1494577842845-6QC4ZSMVZ8IJ62TJDWBE/Pictures+of+each+other My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - It's A World Made Of People http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2017/5/8/the-challenge-of-ancient-rome monthly 0.5 2017-05-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1494257863118-BFV5HLYAMN51J73KHNNJ/Roman+Forum My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - The Challenge of Ancient Rome http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2017/4/24/the-need-for-community monthly 0.5 2017-04-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1493054793348-DM5SQEPCMFVVC6LQICUJ/Outdoor+market My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - The Need For Community The Outdoor Market. It is held every day offering selections ranging from breads and pastries to fruits and vegetables to salamis and cheese. We stopped and visited with the vendors with our limited Italian and nonexistent German. We practiced counting out 19 euros 1 euro at a time wth a very patient scarf vendor. We left the market with a couple of different kinds of cheeses, salamis and a beautiful silk scarf! http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2017/4/15/spring-has-sprung monthly 0.5 2017-04-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1492293543366-YZ56SC8IEN9L0EZRDK38/Rin+con My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Spring Has Sprung http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2017/4/11/a-trip-into-the-past monthly 0.5 2017-04-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1491954029299-VRP880P6U3K6YHKQRQYB/Flowers My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - A Trip Into The Past http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2017/4/2/creating-our-community monthly 0.5 2017-04-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1491194124587-6VC28XSNY7ER68ZRLKNO/image-asset.jpeg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Creating Our Community It is all about RElaTIONSHIPS. Seen in a local supermarket parking lot. You cannot tell someone too many times you love them, and this does get the point across. Wath a way to say I love You. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2017/3/29/dealing-with-stress monthly 0.5 2017-03-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1490840982508-IPXB5CQNKQ7J4ZB8I9MO/image-asset.jpeg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Dealing With Stress Again walking along the beach we saw a string of sculptures made from the drift-wood washed up during the last high tide. A row of teepees stretched along the shore. To me, it brings back a picture of how this space might have looked in days long past when the Chumash inhabited the area. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2017/3/23/body-and-soul-working-together monthly 0.5 2017-03-24 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1490326263088-JBPBB81OPIO1Q5VOD8GS/surfing+contest My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Body and Soul Working Together It was a busy day along the beach last Saturday. Along with the Watershed Stewards we also watched the surfers participating in the National Scholastic Surfing Association (NSSA). For the results of their 3/20 surfer weekend go to http://nssa.org Read about Fifth Grader Hayden Rodgers from San Clemente, California. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2017/3/14/being-able-to-move-forward monthly 0.5 2017-03-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1489548245458-IJHB8K258B2HSWA2KF29/plant+in+car+3-8-17 My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Being Able To Move Forward This amaryllis has been traveling. 425 miles from the desert to the beach so we could watch it bloom. Then back to the desert home by way of Las Vegas so we could follow the blooms and now the second stalk is developing. After over 1,000 miles it looks like another trip to the beach. There really are some important and beautiful things in our lives. We need to appreciate the beauty and the people around us. Going back to the beach so we can enjoy the second bloom coming in. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2017/3/5/closing-the-gap-by-sharing-and-listening monthly 0.5 2017-03-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1488760955897-6HBTV9PZN9T629WYXHPD/sea+rocket+flowers My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Closing the Gap by Sharing and Listening Look at these Sea Rocket flowers, we found along the beach. In response to difficulties they experience from their habitat, they produce these small and exquisite flowers for those who pass by to enjoy. If we leave our troubles behind for a moment and look for the beauty around us, we can become lost in the moment and enjoy the treasures we will find. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2017/2/25/back-to-basics monthly 0.5 2017-02-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1488070189957-S6MC1PFS3CHOBYQNHF6J/beach+cleanup My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Back To Basics The world is neither dark, nor barren, nor cold and forbidding. Only people can make it a sad and dismal place and we have power over our actions. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2017/2/21/we-are-no-longer-trusted monthly 0.5 2017-02-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1487693993493-UBX549BDVE0UJFNP9PKC/surfers My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - We Are No Longer Trusted? Surfers in Southern California. To be surfing is a far cry from trudging through the snow to willingly be arrested because of fear of how the United States will handle your refugee status. Do we want the world to view us as a country that instills fear in those who need our help? http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2017/2/17/when-in-doubt-do-something monthly 0.5 2017-02-17 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1487372962960-5NW9V13AJVS0AZXFXBQA/christmas+cactus+2+2-16-17 My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - When In Doubt Do Something Something so beautiful as a flower. Something so wonderful as an unexpected gift. No matter how bad things look in our social structure or our political discourse there are still some incredibly wonderful things happening. We need to be aware of the good things because knowing that the good is out there helps us get through the tough times. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2017/2/14/why-our-relationships-matter monthly 0.5 2017-02-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1487088457837-LDVUHY6C61SZVDMJ0X6H/Stone+Mason+at+Guedelon My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Why Our Relationships Matter A stone mason working with 13 century tools at the Guedelon construction site. The stone is cut on site. The blacksmith shop makes the tools. When we were there in the fall of 2014 they thought they had found an ore deposit and might even be able to build a furnace and make their own iron using 13th century practices. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2017/2/9/why-we-need-to-find-balance monthly 0.5 2017-02-10 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1486676925687-AEKULPEWOLY7SIXUL7FN/image-asset.jpeg My Blog: Thoughts and Reflections - Why We Need To Find Balance Another view of the center on MEDITATION Mount. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2017/2/3/finding-common-ground-and-spiritual-balance monthly 0.5 2017-02-03 http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2017/2/1/i57hknr4tskoxzevu49sono99yageq monthly 0.5 2017-02-01 http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2017/1/19/the-final-trip-home monthly 0.5 2017-01-31 http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2017/1/19/the-return-trip-to-reno-which-wasnt monthly 0.5 2017-01-31 http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2017/1/19/sitting-atop-donner-pass-january-6 monthly 0.5 2017-01-31 http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-blog/2017/1/19/sitting-in-the-amtrak-station-january-6 monthly 0.5 2017-01-31 http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/discussion-questions daily 0.75 2017-01-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1485560744024-QLO78JH4VPHGM2FHB150/sunset+at+ventura.JPG Discussion Questions http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/discussion-questions/2017/1/20/spirituality-or-faith monthly 0.5 2017-01-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1485819916404-9BBO0FFSCQ19IK75XVWH/Escaping+from+the+wall Discussion Questions - The Relationship Between Spirituality and Faith Walking through the Montmartre arrondissement in paris from the Sacre-Coeur to the Moulin rouge we came around a corner to see the man escaping from the wall. At times we all feel like we are trying to break free. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/share-your-journey daily 0.75 2017-01-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1485560600856-RY0XMW93MJ2T71FMV9PF/eastern+sierras.JPG Share Your Journey http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/share-your-journey/2017/1/20/share-your-journey-with-us monthly 0.5 2017-01-20 http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/growth-through-travel daily 0.75 2025-10-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1492384611282-STEH4P8VJG0GK3SQ2TY6/Guedelon+Castle+in+France+banner.JPG Growth Through Travel http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/growth-through-travel/2025/10/25/lessons-from-aushwitz-and-birkenau monthly 0.5 2025-10-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/e5594e4a-c106-464c-9314-6fce3ae9bd01/brikenua+gas+chamber.JPG Growth Through Travel - Lessons from Aushwitz and Birkenau - Make it stand out Birkenau Gas Chamber: One of the two gas chambers used at Birkenau. As the Soviet Army approached Auschwitz and Birkenau the Nazis tried to destroy the evidence of their activities. They attempted to destroy the gas chambers, but the explosions were incomplete. The gas chambers are still there as a grisly reminder of the atrocities of the Nazis. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/growth-through-travel/2025/7/25/walk-around-winchcombe-cotswolds-england monthly 0.5 2025-07-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/b84390ca-6399-4ba4-9136-5145b9a7a85f/belas+knap.jpeg Growth Through Travel - Walk Around Winchcombe, Cotswolds, England - Make it stand out Belas Knap, is located on a hilltop about 2.5 miles south of Winchcombe. The English Heritage site is a Long Barrow, constructed around 5,000 years ago as a funeral site. The mound is 160 feet long, 54 feet wide and about 133 feet tall. The northern end has a false portal posing as an entrance which does not enter into the barrow. The south chamber, with east and west chambers located in about the center of the mound are entrances. The barrow was used as a burial chamber for several generations until all the entrances were completely blocked. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/growth-through-travel/2025/6/27/walk-around-stow-on-the-wold monthly 0.5 2025-06-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/f30c859e-7790-4c12-82c6-c6dd245e48f4/yew+door+of+cathedral.jpeg Growth Through Travel - Walk Around Stow-on-the-Wold - Make it stand out This is the door nestled between two yew trees on the side of St. Edwards Church in Stow-on-the-Wold dating back to the 11th Century. The door is said to be the inspiration for Tolkien’s “Doors of Durin” in his Lord of the Rings trilogy. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/3f65752e-7bcb-4b0d-b891-4d268926652d/walk+into+stow.jpeg Growth Through Travel - Walk Around Stow-on-the-Wold - Make it stand out Rolling Hills. There is a beauty to the green, the fields, the wide open sky. One of our views as we walked from Broadwell to where were staying for three nights in Stow-on-the-wold. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/growth-through-travel/2024/5/25/museu-nacional-do-azulejo-national-tile-museum monthly 0.5 2024-05-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1426c111-a140-4246-b03c-b8259a6210dd/Neptune+and+Choronis+workshop+of+Agostine+de+Paiva%2C+Coimbra%2C+1700-1720.JPG Growth Through Travel - Museu Nacional do Azulejo - National Tile Museum - Make it stand out Along with religion there is also mythology. This tile, Neptune and Choronis, comes from the workshop of Agostine de Paiva, in Coimbra, between 1700-1720. As the tiles became more important other regions, such as Coimbra, rose up in competition with Lisbon. In this tile Coronis, a Thessialian princess and a lover of the god Apollo is fleeing Neptune, the god of the oceans, and as she flees she turns into a crow. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/5ca0c56f-d6b7-4917-a29f-2bf5a00f3767/tle+museum+chiurch.JPG Growth Through Travel - Museu Nacional do Azulejo - National Tile Museum - Make it stand out About half the way through the tile exhibit you step into the breathtaking Chapel of St. Anthony and suddenly remember you are actually in a convent. The Madre de Deus Convent was founded in 1509 by Queen D. Leonor, sister of Manuel I and widow of King João II. This break from the tile exhibits reveals a stunning baroque display of gilded wood, blue and white tiles with religious themes, and a paneled ceiling. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/growth-through-travel/2023/12/28/gauds-barcelona monthly 0.5 2023-12-28 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/8660b58a-bca2-403a-a620-aa7c4122fc0f/Park+Geull+view.JPG Growth Through Travel - Gaudí’s Barcelona - Make it stand out The view from Park Güel central plateau looking out over Barcelona with the Balearic Sea in the skyline. With wandering trails and organic structures, the park is a unique experience. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/84a0b9a4-bdd2-4ac8-8c88-feac5dd048ed/palace+geull+party+room.JPG Growth Through Travel - Gaudí’s Barcelona - Make it stand out A remodel project, Palace Güel had a purpose, and the purpose was to impress the visitors (partners and competitors) of Eusebi Güel. The party room is two stories tall with holes in the fake ceiling allowing for lamps to be hung creating the stars of a night sky. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/8ef22bcd-e399-44d0-899d-c0ca556988e2/Casa+Batllo+interior.JPG Growth Through Travel - Gaudí’s Barcelona - Make it stand out Casa Batlló is a perfect example of the industrialization of Barcelona. With industrialization came wealth, and with wealth came owners. When you have rich important owners you create a one-up-manship competition. (There must have been quite a few of these rich industrialists in town if Eusebi Güell thought he could sell 60 homes in the exclusive Park Güell development.) Casa Batlló is one of those examples of bigger and better than the neighbor, and it is well done, a perfect example of Art Nouveau and Modernisme. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/5f0696c3-83c9-4ad2-ab71-98e5c673997e/casa+mila+exterior.JPG Growth Through Travel - Gaudí’s Barcelona - Make it stand out Wrapping around a corner of the Passeig de Gràcia and Carrer de Provença is the Casa Milà / La Pedrera. Designed for the Pere Milà family it was hated by the neighbors during its construction. The entire façade is stone and working the stone to fit made for a dusty and dirty construction site. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/a255866a-5165-4ce9-af2e-2ed9cc8bfcad/sagrada+familia.JPG Growth Through Travel - Gaudí’s Barcelona - Make it stand out The Sagrada Família is Gaudí’s crowning achievement. It will be the largest Gothic Cathedral in the world when it is completed during the next two years. Standing in it’s presence it is a simply a sight to behold. Just to observe the spires, reminded me of rugged mountains reaching to the sky. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/growth-through-travel/2023/9/15/michelangelos-sistine-chapel monthly 0.5 2023-09-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/c8b25e37-33ba-4b8e-b12b-e21cb13b2315/Slide2.jpeg Growth Through Travel - Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel - Make it stand out The Prophets https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/f2df3aaf-f6ba-4ccb-ad97-d0a1800d4074/Slide3.jpeg Growth Through Travel - Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel - Make it stand out The Sibyls https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/a3a585e2-e7e4-487a-abe7-14d640b89b02/Slide1.jpeg Growth Through Travel - Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel - Make it stand out The Ancestors https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/341f7b4a-d275-40fd-a57f-b1af9824b012/Slide5.jpeg Growth Through Travel - Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel - Make it stand out Genesis https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/abf703dd-a67c-45e7-9e4f-0fabec77d7a7/micelangelo+app.jpg Growth Through Travel - Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel - Make it stand out I recommend the display app, available free from the app store under “Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel.” The Catalog breaks the exhibit into five categories with commentary on each fresco. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/772d8a82-9ee0-466c-8886-7827efe3e7ff/Slide4.jpeg Growth Through Travel - Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel - Make it stand out The Corners http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/growth-through-travel/2023/7/16/muse-de-ihtel-dieu-hospices-de-beaune monthly 0.5 2023-07-16 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/81b9762a-70f2-4d4c-9c4e-418b1ffbe942/hospice+de+Beaune+chapel.JPG Growth Through Travel - Musée de I´Hôtel-Dieu – Hospices de Beaune - Make it stand out Next is the chapel and the reality that most came to this institution to die. At the north end of the Paupers Ward there was a screen, which was opened every three hours, allowing the patients to view the chapel which held the Rogier van de Weyden Altarpiece. A depiction of Christ and the Judgment Day reminds the patients that while their Lord suffered for them in the end, He is in control. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/a4f65ef9-99cc-42c6-a4f2-ac83585f8093/Last+judgement+alterpiece.JPG Growth Through Travel - Musée de I´Hôtel-Dieu – Hospices de Beaune - Make it stand out Just before the last stop, the gift shop, is the climate-controlled room holding the Rogier van de Weyden Altarpiece. Weyden, one of the most prominent Flemish artists of the time, was commissioned by Rolin in 1450 to create the altarpiece for the Pauper’s Ward. The back side of the work has been removed and placed alongside the front so that all of the sections can be viewed at the same time. In the center, Christ oversees judgment day. In his right hand he holds a lily signifying mercy. In his right he holds a sword for judgment. The rainbow he sits on declares salvation. The globe under his feet stands for the world-wide universality of the Christian message. Four angels surrounding the archangel St. Michael blow their horns calling the dead to come forth from their graves for the judgment. St. Michael with his scales carefully weighs the sins of each soul, moving the saved to his right and the damned to his left. In the panels on either side are Mary, St. Anthony and St. Sebastian, the saints noted for their healing powers. In the outer panels are the patrons along with Rolin on the left, and Guidons de Salins on the right praying for the revived souls as they emerge from their graves. From the expressions on the face of Jesus and St. Michael, we can see that they are not swayed by the prayers or calls of the risen as they weigh the lives lived. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/24db892f-86aa-4b81-b3c8-655c45894d91/kitchen.JPG Growth Through Travel - Musée de I´Hôtel-Dieu – Hospices de Beaune - Make it stand out Five nuns staffed the kitchen at all times preparing meals for the patients, mainly soups and meat dishes. To the right of the picture is a rotisserie. When wound it can turn the rotisserie for 45 minutes. The stove provided hot water. The kitchen continued in operation until 1985 providing meals for retirement home residents. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/7fe44354-4a45-4ece-a380-e085d2d11fdf/paupers+ward.JPG Growth Through Travel - Musée de I´Hôtel-Dieu – Hospices de Beaune - Make it stand out Entering the Pauper’s Ward the first thought is how massive and open it is. 164 feet long by 46 feet wide by 52.5 feet tall, it is the biggest room in the hospital and is dedicated to the poor. Beds line the perimeter on both sides of the room. Rolin believed each patient deserved to be treated with dignity, so beside every bed is a small table holding a pewter pitcher, a mug, a bowl and a plate. At times when needed, each bed could hold two patients. The ceiling was constructed to appear as the hull of a boat. Wooden cross beams are decorated and held in carved monsters mouths. Between the beams are the busts of the 15th century townfolk. The central area was set up for meals for those who were able to leave their beds. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/ac28944d-1da8-4533-80cd-f17f55e0444a/rolin+and+guidons+tiles.jpg Growth Through Travel - Musée de I´Hôtel-Dieu – Hospices de Beaune - Make it stand out Distributed across the Pauper Ward are these floor tiles commemorating Rolin and his wife Guidons. The floor tiles are about 4 inches square, and four tile come together to form a single tile. On the left half see the N for Nicolas. On the right half is the G for Guidons. Around the tile edge is engraved Rolin’s moto, “Seulle Estoile" (translated…my only star). © Michael Evans Photographer 2013 https://michaelevansphotographerblog.com/2013/09/18/beaune-home-of-the-hospices-de-beaune-and-considered-to-be-the-capital-of-burgundy-wines/ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/0f47c9ee-02d8-4b77-90ed-af1078f60c7c/pharmacy.JPG Growth Through Travel - Musée de I´Hôtel-Dieu – Hospices de Beaune - Make it stand out The pharmacy is very orderly. Ingredients for mixing, cooking, distilling are placed in pottery jars and organized from the most to the least used. The first room, as shown here, is used for the concocting and preparation of elixir medications. The biggest jar stores theriaca, a cure-all made from herbs, wine and opium. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/growth-through-travel/2023/6/18/the-notre-dame-reims-reims-cathedral monthly 0.5 2023-06-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/d9ff5b63-7082-4384-a8c4-46b498e6f720/Reims+Cathedral+north+transept+last+jugdement.JPG Growth Through Travel - The Notre-Dame Reims (Reims Cathedral) - Make it stand out Reims Cathedral north transept depicting the Last Judgement. The dead climb from their graves and Jesus separates the people into two groups. As you look from the top to the bottom row the group on Jesus’ left has been processed and is seen being forced to a cauldron by demons. The group the right is being welcomed into heaven by angels. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/947c5fd9-1379-4fd2-9298-7ba45e0aef4a/joan+of+arc+reims+catherdral+photo+magnus+manske+2004.jpg Growth Through Travel - The Notre-Dame Reims (Reims Cathedral) - Make it stand out Joan of Arc, clothed in battle armor and drawn sword, is shown leading the charge in front of the Reims Cathedral. Because of her insistence and leadership of the French Army, the siege of Orléans was ended in 1427. This victory paved the way for her to lead the French Army to the destruction of the English army at Patay. The opening of eastern France allowed for the coronation of Charles VII on July 17, 1429 in the Reims Cathedral. The bronze statue was designed by Paul Dubois and commissioned by the City of Reims in 1895. There are four casting of the statue: St Augustin Church, Paris 1895 (cast by Edmond Gruet Jeune), Reims Cathedral 1896 (cast by Pierre Bingen/Fonderie Thiébaut), St Maurice’s Church Strasbourg 1897 (cast by Edmond Gruet Jeune); Meridian Hill Park, Washington DC Columbia Heights 1922 (reduced scale cast by Rudier Foundry) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/3a589760-3d70-4afc-814f-ef0b28ab13a2/reims+cathedral+northern+aisle+from+the+ambulatory.JPG Growth Through Travel - The Notre-Dame Reims (Reims Cathedral) - Make it stand out Common in all the Gothic Cathedrals is the basic design. Each cathedral has a side aisle on the right and left of the central nave, Separating the nave from the aisles is a line of piers or pillars. Looking up the ceiling you see three arches. These represent the trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit. Seen here is the northern aisle from the ambulatory. Looking across to the far side you can see the three arches staked upon each other, reaching to the heavens. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/257b66f2-cea1-46d3-96ab-3ff0a510d808/St.+Remigus+baptises+Clovis+I+Basilique+St.+Remi.JPG Growth Through Travel - The Notre-Dame Reims (Reims Cathedral) - Make it stand out According to legend when Clovis I was baptized, a white dove brought a vial of oil (Oil of Catechumens – used to protect the baptized from evil or Oil of Chrism – the seal of the covenants). The white dove, as in Jesus’ baptism, connected Clovis I, the church of Reims, and the French Monarchy with the knowledge that the Kings were anointed by the Lord. This sculpture standing outside the Basilique Saint Remi, just down the street from the Reims Cathedral, visualizes the baptism for posterity. Saint Remigius’ church in Reims shows Saint Remigus baptizing Clovis. Notice Clovis is pious, hands folded, gazing downward. St. Remigus, arm outstretched to Clovis, eyes fixed on Clovis holds his shepherd’s staff, and you can almost hear him saying, “In the Name of the Farther, Son and Spirit.” Then the reality. To Clovis’ right, at his feet, the crown and the sword of a warrior king. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/c2f162df-9f49-41c4-b06e-af266b315383/reims+cathedral+marc+chagall+window..JPG Growth Through Travel - The Notre-Dame Reims (Reims Cathedral) - Make it stand out Some of the best-known windows in the cathedral are modern, and are found in the axial chapel at the east end of the cathedral. These are the three windows made by Marc Chagall in association with glass artist Charles Marq. On the left is The Tree of Jessie, with the left side partially hidden. The rose at the top “Announces the Birth of Christ.” Below is “Mary Carrying the Child” and below her is “Solomon Delivering Justice” and at the bottom is “From the Side of Jesse springs the Kings of Judah.” In the center window at the crown is “Hand of God the Creator.” The rose window shows “The Radiance of the Holy Spirit”. The left column has “Christ rising from the Tomb”, “The Descent From the Cross”, The Sacrifice of Issac”, “Issac Blessing Jacob” and “Jacob’s Dream.” In the right column is “Christ Crucified”, ‘Abraham and Melchizedek”, “Abraham Receives Three Angels” and Abraham’s Dream of the Covenant.” In the right window we see the rose window is the “Vision of the Apocalypse” and “The Lamb of God Surrounded by the Four Evangelists.” In the visible left panel is “The Parable of the Good Samaritan”, “Proposal to the Earthly Kings”, “Saint Louis Delivering Justice” and “The Coronation of the Young Saint Louis.” http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/growth-through-travel/2023/6/9/verdun-battlefield-world-war-i monthly 0.5 2023-06-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1dfe9147-cdbb-4fb8-8e16-daf1dc8c15fa/Tummel+Fort+de+Douamount+Verdun+France.JPG Growth Through Travel - Verdun Battlefield World War I - Make it stand out The day we toured Fort de Douamount was cold and spitting rain. The interior corridors/tunnels connecting the various rooms seemed to reflect the weather outside. Unfortunately for the troops occupying the fort it was like this all the time, cold, damp, and dark. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/d6d7502b-3fb3-4b93-8294-1ea1af708842/World+War+I+Meuse-Argonme+American+Cemetery+and+Memorial+.jpg Growth Through Travel - Verdun Battlefield World War I - Make it stand out The World War I Meuse-Argonme American Cemetery and Memorial is the final resting place of 14,246 American soldiers. Most of them died in the Meuse-Argonme Offensive. The chapel hold the remains of 954 Americans whose remains were never recovered or identified. Photo by Michiel Hendryckx, downloaded from Wikipedia. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/6acd42d1-90e2-440a-ae33-704df7d3bba6/Ossuaire+de+Douamont+Verdun+France.JPG Growth Through Travel - Verdun Battlefield World War I - Make it stand out Around the outside of the Douaumont Ossuary, every few feet there is a window at ground level. Looking through the window is a small chamber containing bones which have been found on the battle field. Unable to identify the remains, the bones are placed in one of the rooms under the ossuary. There the remains of an estimated 130,000 troops are resting. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1e1ce4e4-eb08-4a03-a0b6-69bbd9274db1/Le+Fort+de+Douamount+Verdun+France.JPG Growth Through Travel - Verdun Battlefield World War I - Make it stand out Fort de Douaumont was determined ineffective at the start of the war because it was unable to withstand the bombardment of the German’s 420mm Gamma Guns. This resulted in a pullback of troops leaving the fort undefended. It was captured by a German raiding party, 19 officers and 79 men, without a fight giving German control of the largest and highest of the forts protecting the city of Verdun. The Germans remained in control of the fort until the First Offensive Battle of Verdun in October 1916. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/growth-through-travel/2023/6/4/the-isenheim-altarpiece monthly 0.5 2023-06-09 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/c541aaa7-15d9-4f93-bfaa-53213be3258a/view+three.JPG Growth Through Travel - The Isenheim Altarpiece - Make it stand out The third view of the altarpiece is the work of sculpture Nikolaus of Haguenau. In the center sitting on his throne is St. Anthony and on either side are St. Augustine (his left) and St. Jerome (his right). At his feet, the locals bring gifts, one of which is Guy Guyers who commissioned the altarpiece. In the right panel, St. Anthony is plagued by demons, and in the lower left corner is one of the victims of St. Anthony’s Fire, his arm rooted to the elbow and sores covering his body. In the left panel St. Anthony visits with the Apostle Paul. Below are Jesus and the apostles at the Last Supper. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/edf72619-f97b-4824-95bc-caf2000e5714/view+two.JPG Growth Through Travel - The Isenheim Altarpiece - Make it stand out The second view of the triptik shows four scenes. On the far left archangel Gabriel tells the Virgin Mary she has been chosen by God to be the mother of Jesus. In the center panel there are two nativity pictures rolled into one concept. On the left are the angels and spirits joined with music and harmony in a surreal magical setting looking at Mary and the Christ child. On the right, Mary smiling at the newborn baby in a pastoral setting with a background filled with joyous spirits in the air celebrating the child’s birth. On the right is a glorious celebration as Jesus ascends into heaven. Below are the sculpted images of Jesus with his twelve apostles. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/2031763b-51c8-43ad-85ed-f5076ca6289c/first+view.JPG Growth Through Travel - The Isenheim Altarpiece - Make it stand out The opening view of the Issenhiem Altarpiece. The individual panels are explained elsewhere, except the painting beneath. Here the crucified Christ is dead. His body has been cleaned and prepared for burial in the tomb. It subtly implies that there is an end to the pain and suffering inflicted upon us. This was the normal view of the triptik. It was opened to the other views only on certain holy days. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/growth-through-travel/2021/12/1/hanalei monthly 0.5 2021-12-01 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/fc1de5b5-25f4-43c8-8658-de91cbfdea87/hanalei+river+valley.JPG Growth Through Travel - Hanalei - Make it stand out View over the Hanalei River Valley from the lookout west of Princeville. The village of Hanalei is one the main destinations on the island. The river valley extends inland toward the mountains and is the location of the Hanalei National Wildlife Refuge, a 917-acre reserve that provides a protected acreage for five species of endangered water birds and the operation of taro fields for the poi, an Hawaiian food staple. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/56b0f4cd-6045-48ae-96be-d2313c262497/Haena2021Rob-med.jpg Growth Through Travel - Hanalei - Make it stand out We set up our chairs in the shade along the Wainiha Beach Park and watched the waves from the Wainiha Bay roll toward us across the beach. A breeze flowing off the water topped the beautiful morning. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/growth-through-travel/2021/3/8/walking-through-the-plitvice-national-park monthly 0.5 2021-03-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1615239669650-HYDAGWPRA9O642AN82Q4/IMG_2861.jpeg Growth Through Travel - Walking Through The Plitvice National Park Sara stands looking at the landing between the upper lakes and the lower lakes. The upper lake trail ends at south end of Lake Kozjak. There is a short ferry ride across the lake to the landing on the north shore of Lake Koziak. Because of the rains the landing was under about 3 feet of water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1615239562572-4ZIWVIDNUH22Z9P1VXVS/Slide1.jpeg Growth Through Travel - Walking Through The Plitvice National Park Veliki-Slap Waterfall. I carefully walked down the wooden steps, the wind and rain swirling around me. I rounded a rock wall on my left straight into the full force of the wind and rain. There was Veliki-Slap Waterfall roaring at me. In an instant I took a picture and ducked back into the bit of shelter provided by the wall. That was enough. I started back up the steps. The insert is a picture of Veliki-Slap from the Plitvice Lakes website without torrential rains. https://www.plitvice-lakes.info/wp-content/uploads/veliki-slap-waterfall-plitvice-lakes-national-park2016a.jpg https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1615239624410-NEEWH3TRCK0SRKU8SG9V/IMG_2886.jpeg Growth Through Travel - Walking Through The Plitvice National Park The incredible views from the walkways were beyond anything we could have imagined and the drenching rain, if anything, added to the excitement of the day. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1615239795454-0ZM1X7MTULCZYMR0LGHH/IMG_2850.jpeg Growth Through Travel - Walking Through The Plitvice National Park By the time we started our adventure on the lakes many trail sections had already begun to flood. In several instances we balanced our way along the elevated edge the flooded trail on one side, the lake on the other. In some instances we turned around and went back. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/growth-through-travel/2020/12/17/mauis-banyan-tree monthly 0.5 2020-12-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1608245052946-NR9FEUQ4D967LOSMTP9A/Banyon1.jpeg Growth Through Travel - Maui's Banyan Tree The Banyan Tree has had the support and caring from the community. Japanese gardeners hung buckets of water under the areal roots they wanted to grow into trunks. As the roots grew to the water, the water would be lowered until the roots reached the ground. In other places braces were put under limbs to steady them and keep them from drifting to he ground. Unwanted aerial roots were trimmed to keep the symmetry of the tree. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/growth-through-travel/2020/12/1/van-gogh-exhibit-at-carrires-de-lumires-les-baux-de-provence monthly 0.5 2020-12-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1606867415016-18ZHCMLJM9U4FOX0WYAL/quarry.jpg Growth Through Travel - Van Gogh exhibit at Carrières de Lumières, Les Baux-de-Provence : Quarried stone waiting for shipment to building sites. https://www.carrieres-lumieres.com/en/bit-of-history https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1606867667825-GZ44TFHHWRW5SM1TO3T8/IMG_5424.jpeg Growth Through Travel - Van Gogh exhibit at Carrières de Lumières, Les Baux-de-Provence Wheat Field with Crows 1890 http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/growth-through-travel/2020/3/12/ellis-island-and-the-statue-of-liberty monthly 0.5 2020-03-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1584058744770-N8VOL5QRQ9OCX5IGKLLJ/the+line+for+the+ferry.jpeg Growth Through Travel - Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty The line behind us which stretched for over 100 yards. We arrived at noon, with a confirmed time to board the ferry. These were all general guests to board the ferry. Be sure and make reservations with a set boarding time and come early. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1584058801127-NFDIOIIIMULWBA9UZUOX/view+from+battery+park.jpeg Growth Through Travel - Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty An evening view of the Statue of Liberty from Battery Park https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1584058361847-VWH59WH93O6ORBR4CP8L/the+new+colossus.jpeg Growth Through Travel - Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty Copy of Emma Lazarus’ plaque of “The New Colossus” in the Statue of Liberty Museum on Liberty Island. The poem ends with, “Send these, the homeless, tempest-tost to me, I lift my lamp beside the golden door!” Moody Analytics analyzed our current immigration data and estimated that if annual United States immigration stayed at only 200,000 rather than a more normal one million, gross domestic product would be $1 trillion lower a decade from now. https://www.nytimes.com/2019/10/11/business/immigration-cuts-economy.html https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1584058561899-UBTAYA2M99KASSBHGQPP/people+standing+in+line+for+the+ferry.jpeg Growth Through Travel - Ellis Island and the Statue of Liberty The Line Ahead of us waiting to enter the inspection station where there were inspection points just like the metal detectors at airports. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/growth-through-travel/2020/1/6/the-field-of-light-at-sensorio monthly 0.5 2020-01-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1578354347828-O8FPBUT5ZBJ3E058CMVB/Sensorio2019-03.JPG Growth Through Travel - The Field of Light at Sensorio While it is easy to become entranced with the experience and let the lights wash over you, there is another aspect. Someone spent the time to survey the valley, convey the imagined idea to detailed blueprints, set up the 250 or so solar generators, plant each bulb, hook up the fiber optic lines, plan the sequence of light shifts, and program each grouping of bulbs. This is creative vision engineering and technical project management in extreme. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/growth-through-travel/2019/5/12/the-designer-of-todays-ljubljana monthly 0.5 2019-05-14 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1557690017564-1VA7PXBG64N8QFODKEUU/90254A6A-3E73-481D-8271-7457683E294F.jpeg Growth Through Travel - The Designer of Today’s Ljubljana Plecnik House. He designed these chairs. One chair has a writing table attached which he used while he was heating water for his coffee. The other captain type chair was used at the dining table was purposely uncomfortable to sit in, and no cushion allowed. Plecnik believed there was too much work to be done to be lounging comfortably at the dining table. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1557841336421-8KM83H3R47OPWX0UMAP6/IMG_2278.JPG Growth Through Travel - The Designer of Today’s Ljubljana Plecnik was not a good sleeper and bed was not comfortable so during the night when he would wake up he would go to the table and work one one of his projects. The central beam helped Plecnik who felt everything needed to be compartmentalized and everything needed to be securely in its compartment. (PS. He loved numbers.) https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1557841153995-4X5S9N2HMELUSZ7GZ4IR/IMG_2276.JPG Growth Through Travel - The Designer of Today’s Ljubljana Plecnik House. Here are two pictures from his bedroom. The room is perfectly round but is divided in two by a central beam (not a ceiling support beam), which separates the room into two sections. One section contains the sleeping area, the other a workbench. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1557690214763-BEBLYI9307V1K22JWUUG/7BF37EB5-69F5-488E-9B7F-802248F269C0.jpeg Growth Through Travel - The Designer of Today’s Ljubljana https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1557841043048-KN92WU5MDJNISGTW083T/IMG_2232.JPG Growth Through Travel - The Designer of Today’s Ljubljana The Križanke monastery renovation was paid for by the Communist Party of Yugoslavia who thought they should have some recognition so Plecnik arranged these symbols (the star and hammer) on a gateway in the upper right corner of the courtyard, which opened into the garbage storage area. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/growth-through-travel/2018/6/20/the-easter-uprising monthly 0.5 2018-06-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1529516352797-9AKWFJFKFY730L98L4IZ/IMG_8798.JPG Growth Through Travel - The Easter Uprising Kilmainham Goal The Victorian addition. Build in 179 the jail was in use until 1924 Interestingly it was a home and sometime site of execution to up to 160 political prisoners in favor of ireland Independance. From 1922 on it housed prisoners who were opposed to Ireland Independance https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1529516307666-XZKGI108ZJLBTITF85JT/IMG_8797.JPG Growth Through Travel - The Easter Uprising A look into a cell. About 260 square feet. Sometimes jails save people’s lives. Such is the case of Kilmainham Goal. Built in 1795 it was designed as a new approach to incarceration. One person per cell, clean and open. But with the Potato Blight in the mid 1800s the jail was filled to over capacity with as many as 8 people occupying rooms such as the one seen here. The youngest was the age of 5, put in jail for stealing food. The difference was, in spite of the crowding there was a roof over the inmates head, there was food provided and there was medical services for those who were sick. During the famine less than 100 of the thousands of people incarcerated in Kilmainham Goal died during the famine. That’s much better than the general population where nearly a million died and a million more emigrated. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/growth-through-travel/2018/6/13/exploring-loch-ness-and-urquhart-castle monthly 0.5 2018-06-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1528874519000-HO9M8W6TS1U62FVONAL9/IMG_7769.jpg Growth Through Travel - Exploring Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle This is a view of Urquhart Castle from the top of what remains of the western tower. Following the end of the Jacobite Rebellion, Scotland was officially annexed to England and there was no longer the need for the English military presence. The entryway into the castle was filed with black powder and destroyed so none of the local clans could occupy it and use it as a stronghold from which they could incite another rebellion. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1528874594966-L6NKKD5TLN20V8UQDY61/IMG_7887.jpg Growth Through Travel - Exploring Loch Ness and Urquhart Castle The first recorded Nessie sighting goes back to St Columba visiting the Pict Chieftain Emchath in 580 CE and having problems with a large fish or monster in the loch. The first photo was taken in 1933 by Robert Kenneth Wilson, a London gynecologist who gave the photo to a friend who launched his journalism career. The photographer in his will explained the photograph had been doctored and given to his friend because his journalism career was stagnant and needed a lift. Nessieland is the obligatory theme park which is necessary for every modern attraction (Nessie is looking out on the far left of the photograph). http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/growth-through-travel/2018/6/8/edinburgh-royal-mile monthly 0.5 2018-06-08 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1528488353767-A0MOXWC6SBLU4AX17AS9/IMG_7201.JPG Growth Through Travel - Edinburgh Royal Mile The Royal Mile is lined with statues of famous statesmen, ministers and educators. One of my favorite statues is of Adam Smith who was educated at the Edinburgh University and one of the leaders of the Scottish Enlightenment. Smith wrote the Wealth of Nations which is still known as one of the leading analyses of macro economics. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/growth-through-travel/2018/6/3/the-royal-yacht-britannia monthly 0.5 2018-06-03 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1528067996756-GQEJO21EQ75S0VX743XI/IMG_6975.jpg Growth Through Travel - The Royal Yacht Britannia https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1528067728144-B7IL30QOMZA7WKM76DTR/IMG_6974.JPG Growth Through Travel - The Royal Yacht Britannia I thought this was so clever. First it is a great insignia for the ship. Second, the way it covers the ladder to keep the tourists from climbing from level to level. Excellent graphic design, crowd control and safety rolled into one. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/growth-through-travel/2018/5/30/scotland-the-home-of-bagpipes-nessy-and-golf monthly 0.5 2018-05-31 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1527725343891-A5OUBXBL28PDFLKBLE6W/1000px-Flag_of_Scotland.svg.png Growth Through Travel - Scotland, The Home of Bagpipes, Nessy and Golf The origins of official flag of Scotland, the Saint Andrews Cross, is shrouded in history and mystery but dates back to 1385 following Robert Bruce’s victory in the Battle of Bannockburn in 1314. Tradition says that Christ’s apostle Andrew was crucified in CE 60 on a saltire (X-shaped cross). One version tells how Saint Regulus brought relics of St Andrew to Scotland where he founded the community of St Andrews in 345. Another version has Saint Wilfrid bringing relics from Rome in the 7th century. Another legend tells how on the eve of battle between the combined armies of the Picts and Scots against the Angles in 832, St Andrew appeared to the PIct/Scots leader Oegus II (Angus) promising victory. In the morning the white saltire against the blue sky appeared in the sky leading Angus and his army to victory. https://www.historic-uk.com/assets/Images/HistoryofScotlandStAndrewsCross.jpg?1390900002 http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/growth-through-travel/2017/10/18/yellowstone monthly 0.5 2017-10-18 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1508369566463-SK2UQIZB0O8Z7KNYL20H/people+watchng+Old+Faithful+9-16.jpg Growth Through Travel - Yellowstone On a cold, rainy, misty, snowy day, there were a lot of people on hand to watch the 1:22 pm performance of Old Faithful. The viewing area is about 300 feet from the geyser, and pretty much encircles the geyser. The platform was packed all the way around 4 and 5 people deep. As we stood waiting for the start, I kept wondering where all of these people had come from. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1508369505062-P3QT2T7JMHTP2RSZ860T/fountain+paint+pots+9-16.jpg Growth Through Travel - Yellowstone Yellowstone is bigger than we imagined and requires a lot of slow driving. One of the most interesting stops on our cold morning was the contrast we found at the Fountain Paint Pots. While we stood on the wooden walkway in the wind and spitting snow we watched as these “pots” of mud bubbled happily in their little pools. A few feet away from the bubbling mud are crystal clear pools of steaming mineral water. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1508369396839-YZKMQ7NIQ1DU21HAB75A/buffalo+yellowstone+9-16.JPG Growth Through Travel - Yellowstone A Yellowstone trip is not complete without a buffalo picture. This bison had traffic stopped and it did not seem to bother him one bit as he sauntered along the side of the road past our car. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/growth-through-travel/2017/10/13/the-wonder-of-mount-rushmore monthly 0.5 2017-10-13 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1507937094765-RWYZXNM300U83LR6SMZ8/supposed+to+look+like+rushmore+9-17.JPG Growth Through Travel - The Wonder of Mount Rushmore Originally the plan was to carve the Presidents head to waist as shown in the picture of the plan model. Borglum and the team to were forced reduce the scope by funding constraints and the result is the heads we see today. there was even an attempt to add Susan B. Anthony to the project but again lack of funding got in the way. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/growth-through-travel/2017/10/6/the-crazy-horse-memorial monthly 0.5 2017-10-06 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1507327835062-48MNPLMY889XG166LMWB/crazy+horse+model+9-17.JPG Growth Through Travel - The Crazy Horse Memorial Because of the late afternoon please forgive the poor picture and the shadows are bad, but the scope of the proposed completed memorial are worth sharing. This is the model they are working from. Possible completion at current rate is maybe by 2080. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1507326623174-ZTYH7NYQ8BYK89XETW5Q/inside+carzy+horse+gift+shop+9-17.JPG Growth Through Travel - The Crazy Horse Memorial About a half a mile away and facing toward the Crazy Horse Monument is the Memorial Complex. The complex houses a theater with the short presentation of Native American history and the Crazy Horse Memorial Story, the Education Center, restaurants, and an incredible gift shop dedicated to Native American Arts and Crafts. I was impressed with the bow and arrow sets, that are very realistic and functional with arrows made with stone points. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/growth-through-travel/2017/8/27/siena-august-16-race-update monthly 0.5 2017-08-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1503873631828-6VZ88AK77GISCEK2HWVL/siena+horse+race+2016.jpg Growth Through Travel - Siena August 16 Race Update Jonatan Bartoletti, riding"Preziosa Penelope" to victory in July and August of 2016 for the Lupa (she-wolf) Contrade , The Lupa drew the same horse for both the July and August races and obviously had the same jockey. The last time a Cntrade won both races in the same year was 1933. The picture was taken from The Guardian, https://www.theguardian.com/artanddesign/ng-interactive/2016/aug/18/palio-di-siena-horse-race-way-of-life-italy-photo-essay http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/growth-through-travel/2017/8/15/sienas-semiannual-contrade-horse-race monthly 0.5 2017-08-15 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1502834860704-LWV04R33EN6AWRR9TDPA/oca+contrade Growth Through Travel - Siena’s Semiannual Contrade Horse Race You always know where you are in Siena, at least as far as the Contrade are concerned. Here we are entering the Oca (Goose) Contrade. Located to west of the Piazza del Compo, Oca is one of the four “noble” Contrade known for the bravery of its people in the former Sienese Republic battles. The symbol is a crowned goose with a blue ribbon around the neck with a Savoy cross. The Contrade colors are green and white with red trim. The boarders of each Contrade are plainly identified by their animal symbols throughout Siena. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/growth-through-travel/2017/8/11/i-fell-in-love-with-glastonbury monthly 0.5 2017-08-11 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1502482027467-SWT4SEPJHTL9PPGV9YKU/holy+hawthorne+Glastonbury Growth Through Travel - I Fell In Love With Glastonbury Just inside the entrance to the Glastonbury Abbey are two of the Glastonbury Holy Thorne trees of Glastonbury which according to legend trace their beginnings back to Joseph of Arimathea (who provided the temporary tomb after Jesus’ body was removed from the cross) . The Holy Thorn trees are unusual because they flower twice a year, once around Easter and again around Christmas. Found in medieval writings and associated with bringing Christianity to England the legend says that when Joseph of Arimathea visited Glastonbury in 63 CE (https://www.catholic.com/encyclopedia/abbey-of-glastonbury ) he and his eleven companions climbed Wearyall Hill about 1 kilometer southwest of Glastonbury. They spent the night on the hillside where Joseph jammed his staff into the ground. By morning the staff had rooted and grew into the Holy Thorn Tree. The original tree was cut down in the 17th century by superstitious Puritan soldiers but cuttings had been taken and were growing all over the Glastonbury area. The two trees at the abbey entrance are recent replacements. A spray is cut at Christmas from the Holy Thorne in the yard of St. John’s church and sent to the Queen of England by the Vicar and Mayor of Glastonbury https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1502482278744-FUX3SF6Y14017NV8EY45/glastonbury+abbey+ruins Growth Through Travel - I Fell In Love With Glastonbury This photo of the remains of the north transept in the direction of the east choir. Notice the tour group standing in the opening. The great church was 220 feet long and 45 feet wide. The choir was 155 feet long and transept was 160 feet long. The complex of the churches and support buildings were set on 36 acres. Much is open to the public. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1502482178857-7XUBX0DQBY1MW53A7GCT/tomb+of+king+arthur Growth Through Travel - I Fell In Love With Glastonbury Within the remains of the Glastonbury Abbey we found the tomb of the legendary King Arthur. In 1184, the monastery and the church in burn down, leaving the abbey in serious financial condition. Luckily the remains of Arthur and Queen Guinevere were discovered in 1190 and authenticated by the crown. The remain received further legitimacy by the presence of King Edward I who attended the interment in the Abbey in 1278. This made Glastonbury and the Abbey a destination for pilgrims, and the community incredibly wealthy. https://www.damninteresting.com/king-arthurs-grave/ https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1502482446187-IRC6G06TTK8OMRU46PIO/glastonbury+abbey+kitchen Growth Through Travel - I Fell In Love With Glastonbury The kitchen is the only complete building to remain. I watched as a docent gave a short talk about the kitchen tools and cooking methods and demonstrated how bread was made to a class of French students. The Abbot’s Kitchen is one the best-preserved medieval kitchen in Europe. Inside are four large fireplaces. The kitchen was originally attached to the 80 foot long abbot’s hall. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/growth-through-travel/2017/7/30/remembering-so-we-never-forget monthly 0.5 2017-07-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1501453834787-BY5NS75TIBYI1JXUFHKC/image-asset.jpeg Growth Through Travel - Remembering, So We Never Forget Walking along London’s North Bank of the Thames we came across this World War II monument dedicated to the Royal Tank Regiment located at Whitehall Place SW1. The bronze sculpture faces the building where the first tank was designed. Europe has been plagued by wars and battles for nearly 6,000 years. Conquering armies have marched and fought in every European country. The destruction and devastation to families and communities which follows wars are a poignant mindfulness to all citizens and is a factor behind nearly all national decisions. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1501453454691-4RMNLH339WM9JBJ08AWI/image-asset.jpeg Growth Through Travel - Remembering, So We Never Forget Two years ago on a visit to France we toured the Normandy Beaches. Slightly inland from Omaha Beach near Sainte Marie du Mont and situated beside a cornfield is this memorial to the American troops who landed at Omaha and Utah Beaches. The American liberation is celebrated in all of the small towns throughout the area. Driving through the small villages around Normandy we saw pictures of the American Troops enlarged and mounted on walls and homes. This is a statue of Major Dick Winters one of the leaders chronicled in “Band of Brothers”. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1501453708256-WSHZSKEQFP3PC2YVX85W/image-asset.jpeg Growth Through Travel - Remembering, So We Never Forget The Florence American Cemetery and Memorial dedicated to the Americans who liberated northern Italy. To stand at the foot of the cemetery and look across the field of crosses where 4,401 American soldiers are resting made me feel sad. Most of these young men were between 18 and 20 years old, with family, friends, and lives ahead of them. These soldiers gave the most they had to give so that our freedoms and liberty could survive. I think about their sacrifice and what we have done with it. For their sakes we should be doing better. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/growth-through-travel/2017/6/20/the-british-museum-what-an-experience monthly 0.5 2017-06-20 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1498000281334-JI2F9UKAFWXQM6YNUYX2/Winged+Lions Growth Through Travel - The British Museum What an Experience Passing between the winged lions you Enter into the Assyrian display. The winged lions guarded the entrance to the royal palace of King Ashurnasirpal II. Built between 883 and 859 BCE, the purpose of the lions was to remind visiting kings and emissaries that Ashurnasirpal II was a force to be respected and even feared as he could harvest the power of supernatural beings. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1498000574524-IK0WC869H803G4Q8JM9T/Great+Court Growth Through Travel - The British Museum What an Experience Passing through the museum doors, the first space encountered is the Great Court. This Rotunda is the largest covered square in Europe. Larger than a football field we found a huge gift shop but the area also includes information booths, tour booking desks, a bookstore and cafes. Filled with people encountering the wonder of the museum, it is almost an exhibit itself. Just off to the left of the picture is the entrance to the Egyptian Exhibit. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1498000385390-JTB7V87ET7KV9V9X68EN/Rosetta+Stone Growth Through Travel - The British Museum What an Experience I’m not sure how this happened with the six person deep crowd, but I got a picture of the Rosetta Stone. Very exciting. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/growth-through-travel/2017/5/26/the-edge-of-civilization monthly 0.5 2017-05-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1495816185446-KMFVU5MX2E70AVOKGL1J/Vindolanda+now Growth Through Travel - The Edge of Civilization https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1495816251571-9ZCIHRP6AJTE6AJ9GQB3/Vindolanda+as+it+might+have+looked Growth Through Travel - The Edge of Civilization http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/growth-through-travel/2017/5/22/the-cotswolds-were-all-we-hoped-they-would-be monthly 0.5 2017-05-22 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1495467620922-4V1N0F1QQF6C9U9JXE97/Ice+cream Growth Through Travel - The Cotswolds Were All We Hoped They Would Be https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1495467513551-2Z3JTWA1PHDJ7X40AR5O/Walking+across+field Growth Through Travel - The Cotswolds Were All We Hoped They Would Be https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1495467716176-PU6XDLE7Z9SN6AVAKFON/Upper+Slaughter+church Growth Through Travel - The Cotswolds Were All We Hoped They Would Be http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/growth-through-travel/2017/5/12/do137jxk6xgcoxj9i648tll0gxjb4n monthly 0.5 2017-05-12 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1494582131193-R9K543MM74N3UBHCRIAJ/image-asset.jpeg Growth Through Travel - It Is All In The Size https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1494582172474-RP75DLBB7LWHNHTB6TLJ/image-asset.jpeg Growth Through Travel - It Is All In The Size http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/growth-through-travel/2017/4/27/juliets-balcony monthly 0.5 2017-04-29 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1493382494402-65YX85WV66XVV76NEUV5/Wall+to+Juliet%27s+garden Growth Through Travel - Juliet's Balcony Lovers have written notes until the wall has turned black. Now the love notes require a post-it note or a band-aid. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/growth-through-travel/2017/4/23/castello-di-vezio-and-the-church-chiesa-di-saint-antonio-abate-di-vezio monthly 0.5 2017-04-23 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1492978362640-NQ11EUYJ0GPFKR7YAB6T/Castle+di+vezio Growth Through Travel - Castello di Vezio and the church Chiesa di Saint Antonio Abate di Vezio Castillo di Vezio https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1492978400107-HU9280VI08D4QWNHFCNP/Varenna+from+the+castle Growth Through Travel - Castello di Vezio and the church Chiesa di Saint Antonio Abate di Vezio Varenna as seen from the Castello di Vezio. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1492978476207-KLMJW1DTFF2OIU8Y9AF9/Interior+church Growth Through Travel - Castello di Vezio and the church Chiesa di Saint Antonio Abate di Vezio I was amazed by the combination of restored and what appeared as original artwork on the Gospel and Epistle walls and new stained glass in the window over the entrance. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/growth-through-travel/2017/4/19/the-first-day monthly 0.5 2017-04-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1492616185954-UG38BMU1QB1LM5FXQOHT/Centralie+Station+Milan Growth Through Travel - The First Day http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/growth-through-travel/2017/4/16/travel-is-good-for-the-soul monthly 0.5 2017-04-17 http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/growth-through-travel/2017/4/16/getting-ready monthly 0.5 2017-04-17 http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/messages daily 0.75 2025-07-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1501543016192-RRR8GDIW8ZCNSLCOUXB4/sunset+at+ventura.jpg Today http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/messages/2025/7/26/ice-is-here monthly 0.5 2025-07-26 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/65d68247-3a62-4f46-97e0-f11b743e061e/Doxie+4263.jpg Today - ICE is Here! - Make it stand out 4th of July Street Fair handout. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1eb1032d-9c03-4427-9c18-f3ccea752a47/ventura+county+sheriff+Jim+Fryhoff.jpg Today - ICE is Here! - Make it stand out Ventura County Sheriff Jim Fryhoff statement http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/messages/2025/6/27/the-santa-paula-food-pantry monthly 0.5 2025-06-27 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/fb827c70-edff-49d4-8b7e-02fcf817849a/pantry+1.jpeg Today - The Santa Paula Food Pantry - Make it stand out More Rescue food being delivered as the line develops in the background. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/messages/2018/9/5/are-we-living-like-we-are-saved monthly 0.5 2018-09-05 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1536162028890-CN0IVEU86576XNLL8RCQ/Bloch-SermonOnTheMount.jpg Today - Are We Living Like We Are Saved In his Sermon on the Mount, Matthew chapters 5 – 7, Jesus upset the whole Jewish social order by redefining the foundation of God’s community. It is no longer the rich and powerful who find favor with God, but the poor, ill, infirm, oppressed and outcast. This Carl Bloch (1834-1890) painting titled The Sermon on the Mount is currently in the Museum of National History. https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/96/Bloch-SermonOnTheMount.jpg/800px-Bloch-SermonOnTheMount.jpg http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/messages/2018/2/19/that-special-gift monthly 0.5 2018-02-19 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1519081202612-0N0TPOUE7RU5414XEZFS/priscilla%27s+car.JPG Today - That Special Gift Priscilla’s car on December 5. I’m not sure why we never thought to take both cars. I must have been the general confusion of everybody evacuating at once streaming from the building into the parking areas. I’m sure we thought we would be back in a couple of hours. I’m sure the fact that we did not want to be separated was a major issue. There were half a dozen cars left at the complex. The vehicles in the covered parking were lost. The vehicles left in the back parking lot were not damaged. Fire does strange things. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/messages/2017/11/21/will-we-be-ready-when-the-time-comes monthly 0.5 2017-11-21 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1511307980139-4PQEPB27ZN2Z2ZSB2TLP/sunset+parking+lot+ventura+10-10-17.JPG Today - Will We Be Ready When The Time Comes This fall we traveled from the Pacific Ocean across the Rockies to western Iowa. We saw some incredible landscapes and met many interesting people. Returning to the west coast after a month of travel, we saw what is easily the best sunset from our parking lot. Our time is short and we have to take the opportunities to enjoy every moment, no matter where we are. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/messages/2017/8/30/we-have-to-step-out-of-the-boat monthly 0.5 2017-08-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1504133651098-K9NL5GFII9TJBU0YPMGW/my+garden+8-14.JPG Today - We Have To Step Out Of The Boat Basil, lettuce, leeks and carrots in my garden. Thankfully I’m past the point where my winter meals depend on harvesting and preserving everything the garden has to offer during the summer. It feels good to work the earth and watch as the seeds sprout and develop. Nothing compares with tomatoes, cucumbers and melons fresh from the garden directly to the table. No grocery store produce counter can offer the same quality and flavor. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/messages/2017/7/31/we-are-people-of-our-time monthly 0.5 2017-08-30 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1501543676794-GI3X9CPVTOYV2UVLUGN1/rome++street+performers Today - We Are People Of Our Time These street musicians in Rome are a perfect example of us today. We are social people, enjoying and appreciating the people around us. http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/messages/2017/7/31/a-question-of-faith monthly 0.5 2017-07-31 http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/messages/2017/7/31/the-gift-of-life monthly 0.5 2017-07-31 http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/messages/2017/7/31/when-society-shuddered monthly 0.5 2017-07-31 http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/new-page daily 1.0 2025-10-25 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/e205b341-d913-44da-bf54-237e7efbf0fc/ICE+agents+MacArthur+Park+LA+Christina+Aguayo+News.jpg Home ICE agents MacArthur Park LA Christina Aguayo News July 7th https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/10ab9da8-02de-4531-be33-68e4f85936f8/aushwitz+shoes+2.JPG Home - Make it stand out Shoes: The prisoners were told they were being given showers. Instead they removed all their clothing and were escorted into the gas chambers. Everything was salvaged from the suitcases. Some items such as shoes were cleaned for reuse. Hair was woven into thread to make uniforms. Shoes have been found ranging from expensive high heals to children’s shoes. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/40d953ce-dbf7-48fe-ae7c-843b440c69e1/Slide10.jpeg Home In Levanto, Italy we had gone to the crafts market looking for a luggage tag. We found what we wanted, agreed on a price, but all I had was a €50 note. Yes, she could make change. I gave her the note, and suddenly she was gone. Out of the corner of my eye I could see here running from stand to stand, and suddenly she was back with the change. I will always remember that as integrity, providing the customer the service they need. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1486077835299-G6OLOAWMJB87J2GKIF8L/Yosemite0175+banner.jpg Home http://www.exploringourspirituality.com/my-story-1 daily 0.75 2017-02-02 https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1486074394772-L7QOFCSFJW09QI873MJT/me+2-1-2017 My Story what a beautiful day to walk along the beACH. https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/587bed34ff7c50c9f5ec2a40/1486076615411-Y735FLU1PCWCMSUS1LF3/Wave+banner.jpg My Story