When Paul was talking to the Philippians, he told them to think and contemplate on the good things, the pure things, things of virtue, things that were holy,...... It is hard with the rampant evil happening around us to do just that. Especially if your eyes are actually open. For me, when I came out from a very bad cult, it was going out in nature and just looking at everything like a child. Seeing the beauty and perfection all about me. God's hand. Common term, unplugging. Easier said then done. So I love reading about people like Charles Finney and Father Nash, or Kathryn Kuhlman, Watchman Nee among others. Even a wonderful book called 'This Present Darkness' by Peretti. Stories of faith, miracles and victories of a more present time. Oh its coming to our present time too but we're not quite there yet obviously. There's an interesting show called 'Forged in Fire'. In it, old style blacksmiths make weapons and tools the old ways. How high and how long you heat the different metals determines their strength and usefulness. I guess that God is just not quite done 'forging'. Patience isn't my strong suit, and 'occupying' is hard. So for me, to read about some of the more current gloriously won battles helps me to keep calm in the horrible storms about me.
My mom loves that book by Peretti and Charles Finney. Christian dissident literature such as John Bunyan's Pilgrims's Progress and Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners has a special relevance during this time of war. The Revolutionary literature of Washington, Blake, and Paine are even more important now in this revolutionary age. The Journal of John Wesley is a great book. It would get anybody amped and jacked for the spiritual battle. Extra biblical literacy reminds us that the real miracles are the lives of Christians and truth tellers of all ages, who confront the ancient slaver, usurer, and practitioner of mind control.
Thank you Celia. I needed this as a break from the grueling reality of 2024. But then there are visits to the Alhambra. How wonderful and awe-inspiring.
When I first opened this page, I just feasted on the photos. Yes, they are completely different from what is built these days in the USA. THEY ARE BEAUTIFUL. It is almost painful.
Will I look on the Muslim people any differently for seeing what their ancestors created?
Is there a picture book "Ancient Beautiful Architecture" that I could let llie around my home, opened to a different page each day?
In my first conversation with a Muslim journalist who was soon to become my boyfriend, we deep-dove into esoteric matters, and I, surprising myself, arrived at the conclusion that the purpose of life was beauty. He smiled and replied matter-of-factly: "of course".
Reading “The Road to Oxiana,” by Robert Byron, could help pull you out of the Ugliness Ditch; when you’re feeling like “you sort of can’t” describe impossible beauty and splendor.
You’re right about the “the plague of lovelessness” existing everywhere, for a very long time. I block thoughts of UNESCO whilst visiting awesome sites. It’s the only way to sustain my reverie. You know how it is.
Lovely reflection on an awesome place. I'm in San Diego. My wife and I have spent a great deal of time in Balboa Park over the course of our time together. Several architectural structures there are based on Moorish Spanish architecture, such as Alcazar Gardens, based on the Alcazar Palace gardens in Seville. Like you, I always wonder how any of these architectural wonders were built, including those of Balboa Park for the Panama Expo of 1916.
I loved Spain- my favorite European country for its culture, its lifestyle, and, of course, its fantastic places of interest, including many mixed Moorish/Christian cities with their characteristic styles. And, as you say, beauty such as that embodied in The Alhambra, defy description. How can one describe a Wonder?
I spent a few days exploring and drawing the Alhambra in the 90s but I don’t think I fully understood what I was seeing. I remember the cats. Lots of cats. And the beautiful, intricate hanging stucco arches. I still have b&w photos I took of them hanging in my bedroom.
It’s difficult to grasp the hidden symmetry and mathematics of the entire site without a guide well versed in architecture and mathematics. Just the tile work alone is a mathematicians delight. Marcus du Sautoy spends some time exploring its variety in his book Symmetry: A Journey into the Patterns of Nature.
To paraphrase Oscar Wilde, I have simple tastes. I'll be content with Alhambra and a beer :- )
When Paul was talking to the Philippians, he told them to think and contemplate on the good things, the pure things, things of virtue, things that were holy,...... It is hard with the rampant evil happening around us to do just that. Especially if your eyes are actually open. For me, when I came out from a very bad cult, it was going out in nature and just looking at everything like a child. Seeing the beauty and perfection all about me. God's hand. Common term, unplugging. Easier said then done. So I love reading about people like Charles Finney and Father Nash, or Kathryn Kuhlman, Watchman Nee among others. Even a wonderful book called 'This Present Darkness' by Peretti. Stories of faith, miracles and victories of a more present time. Oh its coming to our present time too but we're not quite there yet obviously. There's an interesting show called 'Forged in Fire'. In it, old style blacksmiths make weapons and tools the old ways. How high and how long you heat the different metals determines their strength and usefulness. I guess that God is just not quite done 'forging'. Patience isn't my strong suit, and 'occupying' is hard. So for me, to read about some of the more current gloriously won battles helps me to keep calm in the horrible storms about me.
My mom loves that book by Peretti and Charles Finney. Christian dissident literature such as John Bunyan's Pilgrims's Progress and Grace Abounding to the Chief of Sinners has a special relevance during this time of war. The Revolutionary literature of Washington, Blake, and Paine are even more important now in this revolutionary age. The Journal of John Wesley is a great book. It would get anybody amped and jacked for the spiritual battle. Extra biblical literacy reminds us that the real miracles are the lives of Christians and truth tellers of all ages, who confront the ancient slaver, usurer, and practitioner of mind control.
Thank you Celia. I needed this as a break from the grueling reality of 2024. But then there are visits to the Alhambra. How wonderful and awe-inspiring.
Unfortunately, we knew about 2024. I have hope 🙏
Washington Irving’s Tales of Alhambra has always been a favourite of mine.
Sheer magic.
I don't think I've ever read that.
When I first opened this page, I just feasted on the photos. Yes, they are completely different from what is built these days in the USA. THEY ARE BEAUTIFUL. It is almost painful.
Will I look on the Muslim people any differently for seeing what their ancestors created?
Is there a picture book "Ancient Beautiful Architecture" that I could let llie around my home, opened to a different page each day?
In my first conversation with a Muslim journalist who was soon to become my boyfriend, we deep-dove into esoteric matters, and I, surprising myself, arrived at the conclusion that the purpose of life was beauty. He smiled and replied matter-of-factly: "of course".
Reading “The Road to Oxiana,” by Robert Byron, could help pull you out of the Ugliness Ditch; when you’re feeling like “you sort of can’t” describe impossible beauty and splendor.
You’re right about the “the plague of lovelessness” existing everywhere, for a very long time. I block thoughts of UNESCO whilst visiting awesome sites. It’s the only way to sustain my reverie. You know how it is.
Wow! I love this post!
Lovely reflection on an awesome place. I'm in San Diego. My wife and I have spent a great deal of time in Balboa Park over the course of our time together. Several architectural structures there are based on Moorish Spanish architecture, such as Alcazar Gardens, based on the Alcazar Palace gardens in Seville. Like you, I always wonder how any of these architectural wonders were built, including those of Balboa Park for the Panama Expo of 1916.
I too live in San Diego…I know of the places you speak of.
I love the Alcazar Gardens in Balboa Park.
Yes indeed.
I loved Spain- my favorite European country for its culture, its lifestyle, and, of course, its fantastic places of interest, including many mixed Moorish/Christian cities with their characteristic styles. And, as you say, beauty such as that embodied in The Alhambra, defy description. How can one describe a Wonder?
Wow, did I ever need that admonition. Thank you. By the way, I was born in the Alhambra Hospital in Alhambra, California a long time ago.
I spent a few days exploring and drawing the Alhambra in the 90s but I don’t think I fully understood what I was seeing. I remember the cats. Lots of cats. And the beautiful, intricate hanging stucco arches. I still have b&w photos I took of them hanging in my bedroom.
It’s difficult to grasp the hidden symmetry and mathematics of the entire site without a guide well versed in architecture and mathematics. Just the tile work alone is a mathematicians delight. Marcus du Sautoy spends some time exploring its variety in his book Symmetry: A Journey into the Patterns of Nature.
Celia,
Look for this famous inscription in many locations throughout the Alhambra:
ولا غالبَ إلا الله
wala ghalb 'iilaa allah
"There is no victor but Allah."
You will see it everywhere.
"Arabic Calligraphy at Alhambra palace | لا غالب الا الله "
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=To3d-VrsJok
1m 20s
Simply stunning. Thank you for your beautiful prose.
Important reminder, thank you Celia.
Incredible!