Every single day millions of people play ocean sounds from their music streaming services for relaxation, sleep, and ambient noise. The repetitive sounds o... moreA daily devotional by Dr. David Jeremiah https://www.davidjeremiah.ca/magazine/daily-devotional
Every single day millions of people play ocean sounds from their music streaming services for relaxation, sleep, and ambient noise. The repetitive sounds of waves crashing and receding calm us. Psychologists have noticed that recurring ocean sounds resemble actual biological rhythms such as breathing and heartbeat patterns. The Lord has built these peaceful patterns into His creation for our benefit.
It’s true that nature was diminished by Adam’s sin in Genesis 3. Weeds now grow naturally while crops must be cultivated. Natural disasters occur. But the genius of God’s creative ability still shines through. What restoring, refreshing moments we experience when we sit in the sunshine, gaze across a mountain vista, or even hear the birds chirping! Being outdoors is good for us physically and mentally. There’s value to sitting on the porch or patio watching the sunrise or sunset. Puttering in the backyard or hiking in the forest is therapy for the soul.
This summer find a way to let God’s vast outdoors bring peace and joy to you!
Stunning vista Grand Secretary! And beautiful reminder of why it’s so very vital to turn off electronics and plug into the outdoor beauty of the creation! Refreshing for the soul!!!💪🏼👑🙏🏼❤️🥰🌞
CAA Michael Loos Sr.
Priory of St Michael the Archangel
Fides Et Veritas
At the end of my day yesterday, I had a little bit of time to play around with two different AI platforms, wanting to make a cool image for our Order, much like the several I see many of you are making.
I did some reading up on how to best use AI for images and have come to realize it's all about the prompts. Writing a clear and concise "prompt" (paragraph describing what you want) is very important. This is the first image I created, using ChatGPT, and I actually thin... moreHello, Templar family~
At the end of my day yesterday, I had a little bit of time to play around with two different AI platforms, wanting to make a cool image for our Order, much like the several I see many of you are making.
I did some reading up on how to best use AI for images and have come to realize it's all about the prompts. Writing a clear and concise "prompt" (paragraph describing what you want) is very important. This is the first image I created, using ChatGPT, and I actually think it's pretty cool. If you do, too, right-click and save it and share it on other social media platforms you may be on to help spread the news about our Order.
It's time once again to go on a castle tour. Today our location is Turkey, as we explore the vast ruins of Bakras Kalesi (Castle of Bakras).
The medieval castle was most probably built by the Byzantines during the 10th century in Hatay, Turkey. By 1108, it was in the hands of the Principality of Antioch, one of the crusader states created during the First Crusade. It was first known as Pagrae, which became Pagras, before being renamed by the Templars as Gaston, then Baghras, and finally Bakras,... moreIt's time once again to go on a castle tour. Today our location is Turkey, as we explore the vast ruins of Bakras Kalesi (Castle of Bakras).
The medieval castle was most probably built by the Byzantines during the 10th century in Hatay, Turkey. By 1108, it was in the hands of the Principality of Antioch, one of the crusader states created during the First Crusade. It was first known as Pagrae, which became Pagras, before being renamed by the Templars as Gaston, then Baghras, and finally Bakras, as its known today.
It is located at the top of an isolated hill which can be approached only from its western side. Although the original phases of construction and reconstruction are Byzantine and Arab, much of what you see at Bakras Castle today is French. The tall, narrow pointed windows are clear examples of the European influence left on the building.
In 1153 the Principality of Antioch transferred the castle to the Templars to protect the Principality from a new Byzantine attack. Around 1171 it was taken by a renegade Armenian baron, Mleh. In 1175, after the death of Mleh, the Templars regained the castle. In 1187 Saladin, the Muslim ruler of most of Syria and parts of today's Turkey and Iraq, captured Jerusalem and then moved against Antioch, eventually conquering it, including the castle. In 1190, the Muslims left the castle, only after having destroyed it.
In 1191 Leo II, Prince of Armenian Cilicia, took possession of the damaged castle and had it rebuilt. His possession of the castle became the source of argument between him, the Principality of Antioch and the Templars. After much negotiation, it was finally returned to the Templars in 1216.
In 1268, Baibars, the Mameluke general who was the Sultan of Egypt and Syria, waged war on the Christian States with the objective of completely eradicating them from the Levant. He besieged Antioch and in a relatively short time he captured the city; killing or enslaving the whole population and razed the city to the ground. When the news of the fall of Antioch reached Gaston, the Templars abandoned the castle after having set fire to it.
The remains of the castle are made up of two levels, consisting of around thirty rooms and chambers, much of which are quite ruined. There are large remains of an aqueduct which supplied the castle with water from the mountains, a great hall, a church, a massive keep and lots of chambers and underground passages. The hilltop that the castle is built on is quite steep and access into the castle isn’t very easy. Combine this with hidden pits, visiting the castle with small children isn't recommended.
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Sometimes being still is really the best thing and the healthiest thing we can do in many situations. The hustle and bustle and busyness of life can oftentimes be a distraction in our walk with God, but we must always . . . always rest in Him.
May you all have the awareness and gratefulness of the many blessings in your lives. Sometimes just being still gives us a moment for making that acknowledgment. I'm also reminded of another wonderful verse, "Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10... moreSometimes being still is really the best thing and the healthiest thing we can do in many situations. The hustle and bustle and busyness of life can oftentimes be a distraction in our walk with God, but we must always . . . always rest in Him.
May you all have the awareness and gratefulness of the many blessings in your lives. Sometimes just being still gives us a moment for making that acknowledgment. I'm also reminded of another wonderful verse, "Be still and know that I am God." (Psalm 46:10)
I wish you all moments of stillness in the holiday weekend ahead.
GSY Renee' Nordio
Prior, King David Priory
Cordis ad Deum (Heart for God)
CAA Michael Loos Sr.
Priory of St Michael the Archangel
Fides Et Veritas