The Reversal:

 

of Believing and Understanding 

 

 I do not seek to understand in order that I may believe, but I believe in order that I may understand; for of this I feel sure, that, if I did not believe, I would not understand.

ANSELM OF CANTERBURY

(From Digital Anvil)

Eucalypts: Fire That Liberates

Stephen Pyne has written a book about the Australian landscape called Burning Bush: A Fire History of Australia. He refers to one of the remarkable attributes of the eucalypt, found throughout Australia, as its ability to survive fire.

This has always been the case. When the first Europeans arrived in Australia, they saw the First Nations people using bushfires as forest management.

Pyne notes that eucalypts are built for fire. He writes:

“For most eucalypts, fire was not a destroyer but a liberator.”

Fire does not destroy the tree; it reinvigorates the eucalypt.

We can be like the eucalypt. The fires of life, which sometimes feel like that will burn us up, can actually deepen and build us. God promises us that when we walk through the fire, He will be there (Isaiah 43:2).

Share this daily- reading.

Appreciation for this reading to Karl Faase.

( from Digital Anvil )

Ps:

Like the legendary Phoenix, the Eucalypt rises, freed to live.again.

I read this daily- reading during a tough time...and wanted to share with you,my discovery. Coupled with care and prayer, the end result is mightily accomplished

 Free will:

 

 is a concept that has been debated and discussed for centuries. It refers to the ability of individuals to make choices and decisions freely, without any external or predetermined influences. 

 

The concept of free will is highly valued in many societies, as it is seen as a fundamental aspect of human autonomy and personal responsibility. It allows individuals to take ownership of their actions and shape their own lives.
 

 The belief in free will also plays a significant role in various philosophical, religious, and ethical frameworks, as it raises questions about moral accountability and the nature of human agency.

 Overall, the concept of free will is widely embraced and considered essential for the functioning of a just and equitable society.

 

by Digital Anvil 

100 of the Best Books for Men:

 

 Contains timeless wisdom, deep insights into human nature, pathways to male initiation, a restoration of rites of passage, a strong focus on intentional parenting, and a clear ambition for healthier relationships.

Importantly, it honours the authors, elders, and thought leaders (both the men and women in our midst, as well as those who have come before us).

You can read it for free at the website of the National Library of Australia, right here:

https://nla.gov.au/nla.obj-4239882219/view 

The paperback and Kindle version are available from Amazon, for example at the Australian website:

https://www.amazon.com.au/dp/1764339738

Searching for "buy 100 of the Best Books for Men by David Maywald".

 

( from Digital Anvil ) 

 Universe Helps or ?

   

When the universe chooses - seemingly - to ruin one person while uplifting another.

 

Is it unfair?

Does vastly, empty space, dust, dark matter and energetically fusing atoms help someone like you and me?

Can the immeasurable universe think, feel, care and send help when one needs  such attention during a tough time? Must you believe in order to obtain help or does it just occur? Is this an attitude similar to " wishing upon a star?"

If the universe is so real and caring, why doesn't life exist -everywhere...and if it does, where are those living alien civilisations ? Why hasn't the SETI project discovered any--apart from us ? (after decades )

 

Some contend that aliens are here or have been visiting for centuries, but why hide, when we would probably welcome them? Aren't there petroglyths depicting UFOs or ancient alien astronauts? Where are they, those advanced alien species? Remember books,songs,movies and plays have been created and performed. Expectations are running high. Many muse openly, "we could live side by side ". Or, "ask the super- intelligent Ai to seek them out?" Again, are we really alone, after all?

 

" Why, o why, my alien person, do you hide, where art thou?"

 

Of course, that compels asking the question,if the universe cannot help and isn't a viable, living entity-- what or who is?

Where DO we find help ?

 

 

By Digital Anvil.

 

When you know, let us know-please? 

Our Hearts and Our Words:

Our Hearts and Our Words

One of my favourite quotes from Jesus is when he said, “... the mouth speaks what the heart is full of” (Luke 6:45).

Jesus is telling us that we can often see what is in people's hearts by what they say and do. But sadly, that is not always the case. There is another time recorded in Luke 6:46, when Jesus challenges His listeners by saying: “Why do you call me Lord, Lord, and do not do what I say?”

There are times when our words don’t reflect our hearts, when they are designed to deceive and cover our true motivations.

While we may never fully know what drives another person, we ought to consider what is in our own hearts. What is your motivation? What’s your agenda? Are you seeking to live authentically or are your words and behaviour deceptive?

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My Thanks for Karl Faase.

( from Digital Anvil )

One Life at a Time:

“If you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of My followers, you will surely be rewarded.” Matthew 10:42 NLT

 

 

Les Goldberg’s friends thought he was crazy when he cashed in his personal investments to buy a home to lease for the homeless. A retired engineer, Les felt it was the only decision he could make. He spends a minimum of one hour each day with his homeless friends and has helped renovate several properties on their behalf.

In all his efforts, Goldberg never regarded the homeless as irresponsible or unreliable; he only saw them as people. Hurting people! He figured the house he purchased could be used as both a temporary shelter and a drop-in centre—a place where homeless people might pick up post, make phone calls, follow up job leads, and receive donated goods.

 

Four homeless men live at the house, paying minimal rent to offset expenses. House rules are strict: no alcohol, no drugs, no loitering.

 

 Goldberg has never been rich. For twenty years he ran his own business designing and installing fire sprinklers, making less than minimum wage. He simply was a man who saw an unmet need and found a way to help meet it.

 

 Mother Teresa said: “We cannot all do great things, but we can all do small things with great love.” Jesus put it this way: “If you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of My followers, you will surely be rewarded.”

 

 As you go through this day, keep your heart open and ask God to make you a solution to someone else’s problem. When you do, remember that no act of kindness goes unnoticed by God.

SoulFood: Neh 5–7 Mark 12:1–12 Ps 78:1–8 Pro 23:19–21

Thank you,Vision.org.au

( from Digital Anvil )