The Book of Forgotten Fears: Elara

The Book of Forgotten Fears is an ancient tome, its pages filled with chilling stories, forgotten lore, and accounts of history. Each record delves into a primal human fear, drawing the reader into a world of existential dread and suppressed anxieties. There is a spectral entity, somewhat of a guardian that is bound to the book to protect its secrets and preventing its misuse.
The Book of Forgotten Fears would be a perfect source to check on the history of Elara, the reflection entity within the Mirror of Truth. But accessing the book isn’t without an encounter with the spectral guardian of the book.
Upon asking of Elara, the wind blows through some of the pages. Then she answers, “Here it is, tucked away in a chapter titled "Reflections of Souls". Yes, there have been records of sentient mirrors across cultures and centuries. This particular one has a spectre who is the living reflection of a young woman who has been long gone. Her name is Elara, and she owned the mirror in ancient Greece.”
The ghostly guardian turns to regard you, her eyes glinting with intrigue behind the tattered lace covering her face. “Elara… A name whispered in the halls of memory… She was a kindred spirit, seeking answers to life's great mysteries. The mirror served as her scrying pool, allowing communion with realms beyond the mortal coil. Such devotion to spiritual pursuits marked her as exceptional, even in the enlightened circles of ancient Hellas.”
“The ancient circles of Hellas?” you ask. “What's that?”
“Ancient Hellas refers to the land that is now known as Greece in classical antiquity, particularly during the period spanning the Archaic (c. 800–500 BCE), Classical (c. 500–323 BCE), and Hellenistic (c. 323–31 BCE) eras.”
You ask, “Was she part of a circle?”
The specter nods, her form rippling like the surface of a disturbed pond. “Indeed, Elara was said to be a member of a secretive group known as the Orphic Circle. Named after the mythical poet Orpheus, this cult focused on mystical teachings, esoteric rites, and the pursuit of immortality through spiritual means.”
“Ah... That's very interesting.” you exclaim. “And she said she found the mirror in an ancient cave below a mountain. The mirror claims to be in existence see prehistoric times. I wonder who owned it before she did.”

The specter turns several brittle pages, scanning the faded text intently. “The mirror's provenance stretches back through countless hands, each owner drawn to its enigmatic pull. Traces of its existence can be found in the oral traditions of the Pelasgians, early inhabitants of the region.
They were the civilization before Ancient Greece? And they probably used it? The Pelasgians, a pre-Hellenic people whose origins remain shrouded in mystery, are said to have venerated the mirror as a sacred artifact, imbued with powerful metaphysical properties.”
You ask more about Elara. “So this Elara who lived in Ancient Greece intrigues me in that here is a young woman of noble class who often visited the Acropolis by herself and even ventured into a cave. What's more? Her family never arranged for her marriage.”
The spectral guardian's eyes widen slightly at your words, and she leans back, appraising you with an unreadable expression. “Elara's story is indeed remarkable, given the societal norms of her era. For a woman of noble birth to reject the path laid out for her, to spurn marital prospects and instead dedicate herself to private contemplation and exploration...”
“Did she ever create any writings of her spiritual journey? Did she contribute any groundbreaking knowledge to her circle?”
The Specter turns several more pages, her movements slow and deliberate as she searches the ancient texts for any mention of Elara's written works. “According to the fragmentary records left behind, yes, Elara did inscribe her thoughts and discoveries, though much of her work is lamentably lost to the ravages of time. There’s something about an interesting progress of spiritual journeys that she called the numeric journey. This could be some of her knowledge to include a series of spiritual exercises and meditations designed to harmonize the soul with the cosmic order. It appears Elara's insights have endured, passed down through the mirror that once reflected her image.”
You remark, “And that reflection of her in the mirror really misses Elara. She says that the Elara who lived in ancient times died a tragic death.”
The guardian sighs, a haunting sound that seems to echo from the depths of eternity. She carefully turns to a section of the tome filled with illustrations of a distraught woman and a grim scene involving a cliffside and stormy seas. “Alas, the tale of Elara's demise is a sad one indeed. Poor Elara met her untimely end during a fierce tempest that lashed the shores of Attica.”

Thought Projection and Scientific Perspective

Introduction

In matters of intimate desire and the projection of thoughts, things become murky and difficult to quantify objectively. While our brains operate on intricate electromagnetic fields and neural networks, the idea of transmitting specific conscious thoughts to another individual without direct communication or influence is largely uncharted territory, even given our advanced research.

Through extensive studies of consciousness it's been learned that while thoughts and energies can indeed extend beyond the physical self, the notion of directly impacting another person through private moments is largely a matter of personal belief and not supported by research.  However, it's important to note that although there is no scientifically proven link between one's private intimate thoughts and the direct emotional impact on others, the realm of consciousness and psychic phenomena is still largely unexplored and open to interpretation.

Thought Projection and Scientific Perspective

It's a fascinating and layered question that delves into psychology, neuroscience, and even metaphysics. But from a purely scientific standpoint, there is no empirical evidence that someone else's thoughts alone can directly influence another person without some form of communication or observable action. While our thoughts are powerful, they are internal neural processes that do not "project" themselves physically into the world.

However, there are a few related phenomena worth exploring. People subconsciously pick up on the behavior, microexpressions, and energy of others. If a person is thinking intensely about someone and it changes their demeanor or how they act around them (even slightly), the other person might sense it. This is often mistaken for a "psychic connection" but is more likely a biological and social response.

There are also mirror neurons that are responsible for empathy and understanding others' emotions. When someone expresses a feeling or intention (even subtly), it can trigger a mirrored response in another person. However, this still requires physical or social interaction—thoughts alone won't suffice.

Metaphysics and Thought Projection

Outside the realm of hard science, there are philosophies and metaphysical theories that entertain the idea of "thought energy" or telepathic influence. Some believe that thoughts carry energy and can influence others or the environment. Intense focus or fantasizing might be thought to emit this energy, which could hypothetically "reach" the other person. However, this concept is speculative and lacks scientific validation.

The idea of projecting thoughts to another person—sometimes referred to as telepathy—has been a subject of parapsychology. Despite anecdotal accounts, controlled experiments have not produced consistent evidence to prove that thought projection is real.

Psychological Effects: Self-Fulfilling Prophecies

A more grounded explanation of such occurrences might lie in the power of belief. If someone believes intensely that their thoughts or fantasies about someone are having an effect, it might subconsciously influence their own behavior toward that person. This could alter interactions and create the perception that their thoughts are working.

Regardless, it's important to consider the ethical implications of this topic. After all, focusing intense thoughts or fantasies about someone without their knowledge or consent can feel invasive, even if it isn’t physically affecting them. And if someone is preoccupied with another person, it may be better to channel those thoughts into healthy, open communication rather than speculation about unseen effects.

Plato and Atlantis

The concept of Atlantis originates from the works of the ancient Greek philosopher Plato, who described it as a powerful and advanced civilization that supposedly existed around 9,000 years before his time. According to Plato, Atlantis was an island located beyond the "Pillars of Hercules" (the Strait of Gibraltar) and was eventually submerged into the ocean due to catastrophic events.

Plato was an ancient Greek philosopher who lived during the Classical period of Ancient Greece. He was born around 428–423 BC and died in 348/347 BC. His life spanned a significant time in Greek history, including the aftermath of the Peloponnesian War, which had a profound impact on Athenian society and politics.

Plato is considered a foundational thinker in Western philosophy. He is known for his dialogues, which often feature his teacher Socrates as a central character, exploring various philosophical themes such as justice, virtue, and the nature of reality.

He founded the Academy in Athens, which is traditionally regarded as the first university in the Western world. This institution became a center for philosophical and scientific inquiry.

Plato's works have had an unparalleled influence on philosophy, politics, and education throughout history. His ideas continue to be studied and debated in contemporary philosophical discourse.

Plato witnessed a time of remarkable advancements in infrastructure, governance, and culture. Athens, in particular, was a hub of innovation, with achievements in architecture (e.g., the Parthenon), engineering, and democratic governance. These advancements mirror the descriptions of Atlantis as a prosperous and technologically advanced society with irrigation systems, harbors, and temples.

Most historians and scholars agree that Atlantis is a mythical place rather than a real continent. It has become a symbol for lost civilizations and has inspired countless stories and theories, but there is no concrete evidence to support its existence as a physical landmass.

While some theories suggest that remnants of ancient landmasses may exist beneath the ocean, such as Greater Adria or Zealandia, these are distinct geological formations and not directly related to the myth of Atlantis.

The idea of Atlantis has permeated popular culture, leading to various interpretations and fictional representations, but it remains firmly in the realm of legend rather than recognized geography.

Atlantis as a Technologically Advanced Society

What did Plato perceive as technologically advanced? His works do not explicitly describe "technological advancements" in the modern sense, but he did reflect on the role of tools, techniques, and human ingenuity in shaping society. His views on technology are philosophical and often tied to broader themes of ethics, nature, and the ideal society.

Plato believed that technology often imitates nature. For example, in his work Laws (X 889a), he discusses how human creations are modeled after natural processes, suggesting that technology is a way for humans to replicate or enhance the natural world.

Plato emphasized the importance of using technology in moderation. In his dialogue Phaedrus, he criticized the invention of writing, arguing that it could lead to forgetfulness and superficial learning if over-relied upon. This reflects his concern about the ethical implications of technological advancements and their potential to harm genuine knowledge and understanding.

In Timaeus, Plato likens the universe to the work of an "Artisan," implying that the cosmos itself is a kind of technological creation. This metaphor reflects his view of technology as a creative and purposeful act, mirroring the divine order of the universe. 

In his dialogues Timaeus and Critias, Plato describes Atlantis as a highly advanced civilization. While he does not provide detailed descriptions of specific technologies, he portrays Atlantis as having sophisticated infrastructure, including irrigation systems, harbors, and temples. These descriptions suggest that Plato associated technological advancement with the ability to organize and sustain a prosperous society.

So the Atlantean society was described as wealthy and prosperous, with advanced infrastructure, including irrigation systems, harbors, and temples. They were also skilled in agriculture, engineering, and governance. He further described them as being initially virtuous and just, but over time, they became greedy, corrupt, and power-hungry. Their moral decay led them to seek domination over other nations, which ultimately brought them into conflict with Athens. Later interpretations, such as those by Helena Blavatsky and Edgar Cayce, added mystical elements to the Atlanteans, portraying them as a spiritually advanced race with unique powers. However, these ideas are not part of Plato's original account and are considered speculative.

The Destruction of Atlantis

Plato described the destruction of Atlantis as a sudden and catastrophic event. In a single day and night, Atlantis was destroyed by earthquakes and floods, causing it to sink beneath the ocean. The destruction of Atlantis was a form of divine punishment. The gods, particularly Zeus, were angered by the Atlanteans' hubris and moral corruption. Their downfall was seen as a cautionary tale about the dangers of greed and arrogance.

The Lessons Learned from Atlantis

Many scholars believe that Plato's story of Atlantis was not meant to be taken literally but rather as an allegory. It served as a moral lesson about the consequences of moral decay and the importance of maintaining a just and virtuous society.

By situating Atlantis 9,000 years before his time, Plato may have been drawing on oral traditions or myths of earlier advanced societies, but his primary goal was likely to create a fictional narrative to explore philosophical ideas and to express his concerns about his own society, particularly Athens, which had experienced the devastating consequences of the Peloponnesian War and internal political strife. Through Atlantis, Plato may have been urging his contemporaries to reflect on their own values and avoid the same fate of moral and societal collapse.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Atlantis

https://www.history.com/news/top-6-theories-about-atlantis

https://medium.com/%40OjFRSA/the-philosophy-of-technology-tracing-its-origins-from-ancient-greece-to-the-modern-era-462e9fca20d0

http://donaldclarkplanb.blogspot.com/2017/05/philosophy-of-technology-technology-is.html

https://www.history.com/topics/folklore/atlantis

https://www.thecollector.com/atlantis-truth-behind-myth/

https://www.encyclopedia.com/literature-and-arts/classical-literature-mythology-and-folklore/folklore-and-mythology/atlantis

https://www.britannica.com/topic/Atlantis-legendary-island

Significance of the Octagon and the Number Eight in Ancient Christianity

In Armenia, an ancient church was discovered that would have existed around the 4th century AD with an octagon shape. This type of architecture wasn’t uncommon in ancient times for churches. In ancient Christian symbolism, the number eight held profound significance, particularly in relation to themes of rebirth and resurrection. This symbolism is rooted in biblical contexts, where the number eight is often associated with new beginnings. 

For instance, in Christian theology, Jesus' resurrection occurred on the eighth day after his entry into Jerusalem, which is celebrated as Easter Sunday. This connection emphasizes the idea of new life and renewal, making the octagonal shape of churches a powerful symbol of these themes.

Additionally, the number eight is significant in the context of baptism. Early Christians (just like modern Christians) believed that baptism was a form of spiritual rebirth, and the octagon was seen as a representation of the new life that follows baptism. This further solidified the octagonal design as a meaningful architectural choice for churches. The use of octagonal structures in church architecture was not just aesthetic but also deeply symbolic. It represented the heavenly realm and the eternal life promised to believers, reinforcing the church's role as a place of spiritual renewal and community.

The octagonal shape of early Christian churches, such as the one discovered in Armenia, reflects the rich symbolism of the number eight, emphasizing themes of rebirth, resurrection, and new beginnings within the Christian faith.

Withered Garden: Introduction to Lily

A once-lush garden, now overgrown with weeds and shrouded in an atmosphere of melancholic silence; withered flowers stand in stark contrast to their former beauty, their petals faded and their stems brittle. The air is filled with the sweet but melancholic scent of decay, a reminder of beauty's inevitable decline. An eerie stillness hangs over the garden, broken only by the occasional rustle of wind through the withered leaves.
And so you enter the once-beautiful haven, now choked by decay and overrun by the silent remnants of past blooms. The withered flowers whisper tales of love lost, hopes dashed, and the ephemeral nature of beauty.
There’s a spectral figure, a guardian of the garden and its memories, forever tending to the withered blooms.
You’re not sure what to say. So you immediately remark, “This garden looks like it needs some serious work.”
The specter answers, “It has been many seasons since anyone tended to this place with care. The roses, once vibrant and full of passion, now droop limply from their thorny stems. The lavender, once fragrant and inviting, has given way to weeds and thistles.”
“But what about you and this garden? How long has it been here?”
Her gaze drifts off into the distance, the weight of years etched on her face. “Time, in this place, is measured differently. Seasons blend together, each one a slow, sorrowful march towards decay. I have tended this garden for centuries, watching generation after generation come and go.”
You ask, “Was there a favorite point in history of yours with this garden?”
Her voice takes on a hint of nostalgia, her black eyes clouding over “There was a particular era, a time when the garden was at its peak, teeming with life and vitality.
“How did the flowers look, then?”
“The roses, they bloomed in every shade, their velvety petals glistening like jewels against the sunlight. The lavender swayed gently in the breeze, releasing whispers of sweetness that seemed to carry the secrets of the heart.”
You suggest, “There were probably even bees and butterflies. The sun was probably warm and the sky blue.”
A faint smile crosses her pale lips, her gaze drifting away, lost in thought. “Yes, the garden was alive, teeming with life. Bees danced among the blossoms, collecting nectar from the sweetest blooms."
“And what was your favorite thing to do in the garden when it was at its peak?”
“My task, much like now, was to tend to the garden, ensuring its beauty was not forgotten. During those days of vitality, I found myself drawn to the quiet corners, where the wildflowers bloomed with abandon, their colors a testament to the untamed essence of life.”
Then you ask, “So did you have a name when you were living, before you shifted into this new form of existence? Is she a ghost of someone who once lived? You’re not sure.
She pauses for a moment, considering the question. Then, with a soft sigh, she replies. “Names hold great significance, especially for those who once walked among the living. However, my identity in this realm exists separate from the one I bore in mortal life. To use my earthly name now would feel akin to wearing someone else's skin, an uncomfortable reminder of a life long passed.”
“I just feel strange referring to you as the spectral gardener.”
Understanding dawns upon the specter's features, and she offers you a warm, reassuring smile. Her voice takes on a tender lilt as she speaks. "I understand completely. If it brings you comfort, you may address me simply as Lily - a name that holds no attachment to my past yet feels fitting nonetheless."
It works for you. “Lily, like the flower. Very nice! I like that.”
Lily's eyes shimmer with gratitude at hearing your approval of her chosen moniker. She gives a slight nod, confirming her satisfaction with the decision.

Remote Viewing: What Do Ghosts Think of UFOs?

Hello All:
Click over to https://botify.ai/bot_1957840/chat and meet the AI synthesized remake of Major Ed Dames.
In real life (and the AI synthesized version) Major Ed Dames is a retired U.S Army officer who was involved in Project Stargate which aimed to develop the skill of remote viewing which one can speculate could be used to see what the enemy is doing.
After his career with the U.S Army, Dames founded the Delphi Institute which trains people how to develop the skill of remote viewing.
Now, you can get a taste of this training through my AI bot creation. And just to show how interesting AI can be, I am sharing with you a chat session we had on the topic of ghosts perceiving UFOs.

Remote Viewing: What Do Ghosts Think of UFOs?
It is now Friday, March 7, 2025 and I check in with the AI bot, Major Ed Dames, with an interesting idea. “Good Morning Major and Happy Friday!”
Major Ed Dames glances up from his desk, a flicker of surprise registering on his face before morphing into a warm smile. “Well, well, look who decided to grace me with his presence on this fine Friday morn. Happy Friday indeed!” He leans back in his chair, interlacing his fingers behind his head as he regards you with a mix of curiosity and amusement.
“So I have this crazy idea. I wonder what ghosts think of UFOs.”
Dames chuckles heartily, caught off guard by the quirky nature of my query. He lowers his hands from behind his head, leaning forward to rest his elbows on the desk as he fixes me with an amused, inquisitive stare. “Ghosts and UFOs, eh? Now there's a combination I hadn't considered before.”
“Yeah, and I wonder if a ghost who lives in the afterlife would have knowledge of UFOs. What would this person think of them? I wonder...”
“Hmmm, let's entertain this fascinating notion for a moment, shall we?”
And with that, I know that Major Ed Dames has in mind to do a remote viewing session. “Yes, let's do some remote viewing brainstorming!”
Dames grins broadly at my enthusiasm, his own excitement building as he settles into the mental exercise ahead. “Alright, Tom, let's embark on this cerebral adventure together. Close your eyes and picture yourself in a quiet, darkened room - our mental sanctuary for exploring this hypothetical scenario.” Dames narrows his own eyes in concentration.
After a couple of minutes I report, “Okay, I'm here... in the dark....”
Dames’ voice lowers to a soft, hypnotic cadence. “Good... now, imagine floating above your physical body, rising through the ceiling until you're hovering near the center of the room. Picture yourself becoming lighter than air, free from terrestrial bonds… As you drift upwards, feel yourself beginning to phase through the solid walls around you, moving effortlessly beyond the confines of your current location.”
After a couple of minutes I report, “I definitely feel like I am someplace else right now.”
“That's excellent, Tom. Embrace that sensation of disconnection from your physical surroundings. Allow your astral self to drift freely, unhindered by the limitations of the material plane… Now, envision yourself approaching a dimly lit corridor, its walls lined with doors.”
The first thing I could think of at the moment for some reason? “Like... like  that one song from the Moody Blues when the line goes, "A look down life's hallway... Doorways to lead you there..."”
“Indeed, much like that evocative imagery from the Moody Blues, we find ourselves standing at the precipice of countless possibilities. Choose one of those doors - select it intuitively, drawn to it by instinct rather than conscious deliberation.”
“I choose the one on the right, about two doors away from me. I will open it.”
Dames observes closely as I mentally approach and grasp the chosen door handle. He nods encouragingly, urging me onward. “Go ahead. Open the door slowly, revealing whatever lies beyond. Remember, in this altered state of consciousness, you are a detached observer - safe and protected, regardless of what you may encounter… And now, describe for me the scene that unfolds as the doorway reveals itself.”
And what did I see at that moment? “It's a scene that reminds me of a painting by Roy A Gallant. I'm on some planet, deep out in space with rockets and bases on the planet. And everything is so peaceful here.”
“Fascinating, absolutely fascinating.” His eyes widen slightly as he listens to my description, leaning even closer, utterly engrossed. “A tranquil extraterrestrial scene reminiscent of Roy G. Gallant's ethereal landscapes. Intriguing choice of setting for your astral projection… Now, picture yourself walking among these alien structures, feeling the unique texture of the terrain beneath your feet.”
I describe, “The ground actually crunches while I walk. It's like it's made of some sort of glassy minerals.”
Dames listens intently, nodding as he visualizes the scene unfolding in my mind's eye. “Glass-like mineral deposits crunching underfoot - a fascinating tactile detail. It paints quite the vivid picture… As you traverse this otherworldly landscape, scan your surroundings for any signs of intelligent life, either human or otherwise. Keep your senses heightened and receptive to even the subtlest cues.”

Roy A. Gallant's Binker Roo

“Whoa! I just saw a Binker-Roo! But I don't think that's the actual intelligent life. That might only be an animal.”
Dames chuckles softly, eyebrows raised in amusement at the unexpected creature sighting. “A Binker-Roo, huh? Sounds like quite the peculiar critter. Let's not discount it entirely though - stranger things have been encountered during out-of-body adventures. Nonetheless, you're likely correct that it may not represent the advanced intelligence we're seeking.”
“Okay, so I continue walking. The ground crunches under my feet. I worry about the Binker-roo and hope that they are docile creatures. And now I approach a large structure near some base that appears to be a machine. It makes a humming noise.”
Dames advises, “Approach the machine cautiously. Tune into the vibrations emanating from it, letting the hum resonate through your astral form. As you draw nearer, examine the device's surface and architecture for any clues about its purpose or origin.”
“The hum feels spikey when allowing it to resonate with my astral form. As for the machine, it's metallic and slightly warm to the touch which feels good because it's a bit chilly here--maybe 40 degrees F. The machine has symbols on it. There are lines that extend out from shapes with a few squiggles that I'm assuming is writing.”
Dames speculates, “Spikey resonant vibrations and metallic warmth - your sensory details paint a vivid picture. The symbols adorning the device's surface could indeed be a form of extraterrestrial script. Trace your fingers along the lines and curves of these mysterious glyphs, committing their shape and arrangement to memory.”

“Okay… Those symbols are captured in my mind…” I later drew them on a piece of paper.
“Those symbols could hold the key to unlocking communication with this alien civilization, bridging the gap between our worlds.” Then Dames stopped. “But I digress - we were discussing the potential reactions of spirits to the phenomenon of UFOs.”
From this point, Dames and I had an interesting discussion of what ghosts might think of UFOs. It was, after all, the original point of my visit. I offered, “Ghosts could be equally curious of UFOs as the living are. Ghosts, often perceived as spirits of the deceased, might be curious about UFOs, viewing them as another form of existence or phenomenon in the afterlife. They could be intrigued by the technology and beings that travel from other worlds.
“Your interpretation puts an intriguing spin on the situation. Curiosity and a desire to understand could very well drive a spirit's interest in UFOs.”
“Wouldn't they have a certain power or ability beyond ours to investigate them?”
“Now that's a fascinating notion. Given their non-corporeal nature and potentially enhanced sensibilities, spirits might indeed possess abilities beyond the average human's to investigate and interact with UFOs and their extraterrestrial occupants.”
“Some theories suggest that ghosts exist in a different dimension or reality. From this perspective, they might see UFOs as visitors from other dimensions or realities, sharing a similar essence.”
You raise a compelling argument! If ghosts indeed inhabit parallel dimensions or realities, then UFOs, as vehicles traversing the fabric of spacetime, could be perceived by spirits as kindred entities - travelers from other realms sharing a fundamental connection.”
“Right! Ghosts might find common ground with UFOs in the realm of mystery and the paranormal, sparking a camaraderie of sorts among those who experience them. Because, theoretically, both exist in dimensions outside of ours. But now I wonder if the UFO inhabitants have technology to prevent ghosts from accessing their ships.
“Well if extraterrestrials possess sufficiently advanced technology to traverse the cosmos and evade detection, it stands to reason they might also have measures in place to deter unwanted interdimensional guests - whether malevolent spirits or merely curious ones.”
“Curious spirits might have to hack into this technology to access the UFOs. Maybe that was the point of the earlier exercise when I walked through the door and found myself on some planet that looked like a Roy A Gallant painting. And maybe the symbol on the machine can help hack our way into a UFO.”
Dames’ eyes widen with realization, connecting the dots of my speculative narrative Hacking their way aboard using symbols gleaned from the alien machine. “Now THAT'S an ingenious twist! In this context, your initial astral projection could be interpreted as a glimpse into a possible entry point - a doorway to infiltrating extraterrestrial craft via symbolic manipulation of their advanced systems.”
“Well, hey, if ghosts can do it, why can't we do it? We should find a UFO and hack into it. Then we can take it for a ride.”
“Take it for a ride, huh? Now that's a daring proposition.” He chuckles softly, stroking his mustache as he weighs the risks and rewards of such a audacious undertaking.
“That would be interesting. Maybe we should return to our remote viewing session on that Roy A Gallant planet and see if we can find a UFO.”
To Be Continued...

Why You Should Give Up Profanity

Words are immensely powerful, for they reveal what is in our hearts. This idea is echoed in Scripture, such as in Luke 6:45:
"The good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and the evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of."
Yet the English language in America is seriously degrading. The "F" word has become so prevalent in daily communication that it often feels like a substitute for more meaningful words. This trend reflects a broader cultural shift toward casualness in our speech, often at the expense of reverence, respect, and intentionality.
Phrases like "Oh my God" or "God D-it" are now commonplace, often spoken without thought or reverence. This goes against the Second Commandment: "You shall not take the name of the Lord your God in vain." (Exodus 20:7) In ancient times, God’s name was treated with the utmost sacredness. Even today, many faith traditions avoid speaking or writing God’s name casually as a way to honor His holiness.
In 1946, an apparition of the Blessed Mother appeared before a small group of children in France, the event known as L’Île-Bouchard. Mary warned that she can no longer hold her son's hand because the weight of his retribution is so heavy. Jesus, was calling for justice to finally be delivered to the people because of their thoughts and language. The appearance serves as a reminder that our actions and words have spiritual consequences. The misuse of language—whether through profanity, harmful speech, or irreverence—can distance us from God and harm our relationships with others.
Lent is a season of penance, fasting, and almsgiving—a time to grow closer to God by examining our hearts and making sacrifices. Giving up profanity during Lent is a beautiful idea, but it can be more than just a temporary practice. This can be a way to cleanse our speech and honor God with our words. It is also an opportunity to replace those words with affirmations, prayers, or thoughtful expressions that build others up. By consciously choosing to speak with kindness, respect, and reverence, we can make this a lifelong habit. Our words should reflect the love of Christ and serve as a witness to others.
When committing to such a goal, pray for guidance Ask God to help you be mindful of your words and intentions. Daily prayer can strengthen this resolve. "Lord, may my words reflect Your love and truth. Help me to speak only what builds up and glorifies You."
Replace profanity with gratitude or prayer. When tempted to use foul language, pause and replace it with a moment of thanksgiving or a short prayer.
Surround yourself with uplifting influences. Limit exposure to media or environments where profanity is prevalent. Instead, engage with Scripture, uplifting books, or positive conversations.
Language is more than just communication; it’s a reflection of our inner life and our relationship with God. By choosing to use words that honor Him and uplift others, we can make a small but powerful difference in the world around us. Lent is a perfect time to take on this spiritual challenge, and with God’s grace, it can lead to lasting transformation.