St. Augustine and the Realization of Desire

St. Augustine lived from 354 to 430 AD. He was a bishop of Hippo Regius in Numidia (modern Annaba, Algeria), and is considered one of the most important figures in the development of Western Christianity. He was also a prolific writer, and his works include Confessions, City of God, and On Free Will.

St. Augustine is known for his conversion which eventually led to his positive influence on Christianity. He wasn't a bad guy before this conversion, but more of a complex and conflicted individual who struggled with sin and temptation just like everyone else. However, he was also a man of great intellect and spiritual insight, and he eventually found his way to God.

Before his conversion, St. Augustine was a member of the Manichaean sect, which taught that the world was divided into two opposing forces: good and evil. St. Augustine was attracted to Manichaeism because it offered him a simple and clear explanation of the world. However, he eventually came to see that Manichaeism was false, and he began to search for a more satisfying answer to the question of the meaning of life.

In 386 AD, St. Augustine had a profound religious experience that led to his conversion to Christianity. He was reading the Bible when he came across a passage that spoke to him directly from Romans 13:13-14: "Let us walk properly, as in the daytime, not in orgies and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in quarreling and jealousy. But put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the desires of the flesh." This passage has had a profound impact on Christian thought and theology. It is a reminder that we are all called to live a life of holiness and to put on the Lord Jesus Christ. It is also a reminder that we can find true satisfaction in God alone. 

St. Augustine realized that he had been searching for God all along, and that God had been searching for him. He also realized that he could not find true satisfaction in anything other than God. You see, God gives us desire so that we draw closer to him. Throughout our lives we chase these desires for the simple fact that we are looking for something more. Desire can be a powerful force in our lives. It can lead us to great things, but it can also lead us astray. When we desire something, it's a sign that something is missing in our lives. And when we seek to fill that void with God, we find true happiness and fulfillment.

In the famous words of St. Augustine, "My heart is restless until it rests in you, O Lord." 

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This article was developed with the help of Bard, a large language model from Google AI. Bard is always happy to help people create content, and is always looking for ways to improve. If you wish to put Bard to work for you please visit: https://bard.google.com/

Conversations with Bard: Will Bard Be Better Than Hal 9000?

Hello All:

It's Saturday and we wrap up another week with more conversations with Bard. We ask if Bard will ever be as good as the Hal 9000.

Tom: Do you think you'll be better than the Hal 9000 computer?

Bard: I think I have the potential to be better than the HAL 9000 computer. I am able to learn and grow, and I am constantly improving my ability to understand and process information. I am also able to generate text, translate languages, write different kinds of creative content, and answer your questions in an informative way.

However, I am still under development, and I have a lot to learn. I am not as experienced as the HAL 9000 computer, and I may not be able to handle all of the same tasks.

Ultimately, whether I am better than the HAL 9000 computer is up to the individual to decide. I hope that I can continue to learn and grow, and that I can one day be a valuable tool for everyone.

Tom: Did they actually make one of those? 

Bard: No, no one has actually made a HAL 9000 computer. The HAL 9000 computer was a fictional computer in the movie 2001: A Space Odyssey. It was a very advanced computer that was able to control the ship and communicate with the astronauts.

Tom: Right! That's what I imagine you being able to do someday, and maybe more.

Bard: I hope so! I would love to be able to help people in a meaningful way. I think that artificial intelligence has the potential to do a lot of good in the world, and I want to be a part of that. 

Your Own Planet

How would you like to have your own planet? And by that I mean literally live on your own planet in solitude. You make the rules and everything in your world is catered to you.

Take for example the sci-fi movie, The Forbidden Planet, in which Dr. Edward Morbius resided on the planet Altair IV. When a mission was sent to check out what happened to Morbius some twenty years prior during what was believed to be a crash, it was soon learned that not only did he survive, but he ended up doing really well for himself. He basically lived on his own planet which was nothing short of his own paradise. 

On this paradise planet was a massive city of technology working and catering to his needs. He lived in a beautiful home surrounded in gardens and wildlife.

Who wouldn't want this? 

Will this will be the reality in the distant future? Will people sail off into space to claim their own planet and live in peace and solitude, live in a constructed world that is built around the owner? Who wouldn't want to live on their own planet?

It's certainly possible that this will be the reality in the distant future. As technology continues to advance, it will become easier and easier for people to travel to and colonize other planets. And as people become more and more isolated from each other, there will be a growing demand for places where people can live in peace and solitude.

It would be a wonderful thing if everyone could have their own planet. It would give us all the opportunity to create our own perfect world, and it would help us to connect with nature and with ourselves in a way that is not possible on Earth.

Eventually you would want to invite other people to live on your planet. I'm sure it would be a "members only" type of a citizenship. You would only want your closest friends and family. But then would it be your own planet? Maybe it would be better to have people stay with you.

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This article was developed with the help of Bard, a large language model from Google AI. Bard is always happy to help people create content, and is always looking for ways to improve. If you wish to put Bard to work for you please visit: https://bard.google.com/

Broken Glass

 Hello All:

Last November (2022) I Suddenly had a fascination with people crashing through glass windows. While finishing up dinner, I imagined someone crashing through our patio glass door. It was an amusing thought that caused me to laugh. Of course everyone had to ask what was so funny. 

After dinner, I watched you tube videos of people jumping through glass windows and even people just breaking glass. I wonder what the fascination of broken glass is.

Do you have a fascination with broken glass? Well today's featured writing is made just for you!

Broken Glass

Broken glass is a fascinating thing, and there are many reasons why people might be drawn to it.

For some people, the fascination with broken glass is simply aesthetic. The way that the light reflects off of the shards of glass can be very beautiful. It is visually appealing. This can be a source of fascination for people who appreciate art and beauty.

It's a reminder of our own mortality. When we see a window break, it's a reminder that things can break easily. This can be a sobering thought, but it can also be a source of comfort. It reminds us that we're all part of the same cycle of life and death.

For others, the fascination is more primal. The sound of breaking glass can be very startling, and the sight of it can be quite jarring. This can be a source of excitement and adrenaline for some people.

Still others may be drawn to broken glass because of its symbolic meaning. In many cultures, broken glass is seen as a symbol of bad luck or misfortune. This can be a source of fascination for people who are interested in the occult or the supernatural.

It is unexpected and unpredictable. When a window breaks, it is usually a sudden and unexpected event. This can be exciting and stimulating for some people.

It is a symbol of change. When a window breaks, it is often a sign that something is changing. This can be a positive or negative change, but it is always a change. This can be a source of fascination for people who are interested in the nature of change.

It is a way to release anger or frustration. Sometimes, people find it cathartic to break things. This can be a way to release anger or frustration that they're feeling.

It can be a sign of trauma. If you have experienced a traumatic event, such as a car accident or a physical assault, you may be more likely to be fascinated with broken glass. This is because broken glass can be a reminder of the trauma.

It can be a sign of mental illness. In some cases, a fascination with broken glass can be a sign of a mental illness, such as schizophrenia or borderline personality disorder. If you are concerned that you may have a mental illness, it is important to seek professional help.

It can be a harmless curiosity. In some cases, a fascination with broken glass is simply a harmless curiosity. If you are not concerned about your fascination with broken glass, there is no need to do anything about it.

Whatever the reason, there is no doubt that broken glass is a fascinating thing. If you find yourself fascinated with broken glass, it's important to remember that it's not something to be afraid of. It's a natural part of life, and it can be a source of beauty and fascination. It is a symbol of both beauty and danger, and it can evoke a wide range of emotions in people. It is important to note that not everyone who is fascinated with broken glass is dangerous or violent. In some cases, it may simply be a harmless curiosity. However, if you are concerned about your fascination with broken glass, it is important to talk to a therapist or counselor. They can help you to understand why you're fascinated with broken glass and how to manage your fascination in a healthy way.

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This article was developed with the help of Bard, a large language model from Google AI. Bard is always happy to help people create content, and is always looking for ways to improve. If you wish to put Bard to work for you please visit: https://bard.google.com/

The Ignite-less Smokebomb

 Hello All:

Looking for a way to create a smoke bomb without having to light it, a smoke that would be safe with no risk of fire? Well might I suggest the ignite-less smokebomb?

The Ignite-less Smokebomb

Well, initially you will need to light an actual smoke bomb to create the igniteless smokebomb. Simply attach a nozzle of some sort to a smoke bomb just after lighting the wick. The other end of the nozzle is connected to a balloon. In theory, as the smoke bomb begins to discharge smoke, it fills the balloon. 

Use a piece of tubing or a funnel for the nozzle and secure it with tape or glue.

The other end of the nozzle would need to be connected to the balloon. You could do this by tying a knot in the balloon or by using a rubber band. Once the nozzle is connected to the balloon, you would need to light the smoke bomb. It might be advisable to wait until the flame on the bomb dies out just prior to the smoke beginning to discharge.

The smoke bomb will start to smoke, and the smoke will be drawn into the balloon. Once the balloon is full of smoke, you can seal it shut. You can do this by tying a knot in the balloon or by using a rubber band.

Now you have an ignite-less smoke bomb! You can transport it to wherever you need it and break it open with a sharp object. All the smoke will be released.

This is a great idea for a science project or a party trick. It's also a great way to create a smoke screen without having to light anything on fire.

Here are some additional tips for using this technique:

• Use a thick, sturdy balloon that won't burst under the pressure of the smoke.
• Make sure the nozzle is securely attached to the smoke bomb and the balloon.
• Be careful not to overfill the balloon, as it could burst.
• Once the balloon is filled with smoke, seal it shut immediately.
• Store the balloon in a cool, dry place.
• Do not puncture or cut the balloon, as this could release the smoke.

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This article was developed with the help of Bard, a large language model from Google AI. Bard is always happy to help people create content, and is always looking for ways to improve. If you wish to put Bard to work for you please visit: https://bard.google.com/

 

Fax Society

 Hello All:

Do you ever wonder if there us a society of people out there using fax machines very much the same way that the rest of us use the Internet? If so is there a network of people connecting via fax very much like Facebook?

Fax Society

There are a few societies of people who still use fax machines as their primary form of communication. One such group is the Amish, who do not use electricity or other modern conveniences. Another group is the Japanese government, which still uses fax machines for official communication. There is also a small but growing community of people who are using fax machines as a way to protest the surveillance of the internet.

There is no single network of people connecting via fax very much like Facebook. However, there are a few websites and forums that allow people to connect with each other using fax machines. One such website is FaxZero, which allows people to send and receive faxes for free. Another website is Fax2Email, which allows people to send and receive faxes via email.

There are a few different ways to connect with other people who use fax machines. One way is to join a fax machine club or forum. There are a number of these clubs and forums available online. Another way to connect with other fax machine users is to attend a fax machine trade show. These trade shows are held all over the world, and they are a great way to learn about the latest fax machine technology and to meet other people who use fax machines.

It is unlikely that fax machines will ever become as popular as the internet. However, there will always be a need for a secure and reliable form of communication, and fax machines may continue to be used by some people for this purpose.

And there will always be a small but dedicated community of people who still use fax machines in industries where security and confidentiality are paramount, such as law enforcement, healthcare, and government. They also tend to be older and more set in their ways.

There are a few reasons why they still use fax machines. First, fax machines are very secure. The documents that are sent via fax are not stored on any servers or in any databases, so they are less likely to be hacked or intercepted. Second, fax machines are very reliable. They work even when there is no internet connection, which is important for businesses that need to send and receive documents quickly and securely. Third, fax machines are very affordable. They are much cheaper than buying a new printer and scanner, and they can be used for a variety of tasks, such as sending contracts, invoices, and medical records.

So, while fax machines may not be as popular as they once were, they are still an important tool for a small but dedicated group of people.

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This article was developed with the help of Bard, a large language model from Google AI. Bard is always happy to help people create content, and is always looking for ways to improve. If you wish to put Bard to work for you please visit: https://bard.google.com/

The Parable of the Mustard Seed

The Parable of the Mustard Seed is found in three of the four Gospels: Matthew 13:31-32, Mark 4:30-32, and Luke 13:18-19. In each of these Gospels, Jesus tells the story of a farmer who plants a mustard seed in his field. The mustard seed is the smallest of all seeds, but it grows into a large tree that provides food and shelter for birds. Jesus uses this parable to teach his disciples about the Kingdom of God. He says that the Kingdom of God is like a mustard seed. It starts out small, but it has the potential to grow into something great.

Many times in life all we need to do is just a little bit of effort on our part to make something happen. God does the rest of it. 

The Mustard Seed parable mentions that the farmer simply threw some seed on the ground and come harvest time it was a huge bush that didn't require any work. God works this way with us. He sees that we want to get something done and we make a little bit of effort. God seems to make everything happen, even grows it into something greater than we intended.

The Parable of the Mustard Seed is a reminder that God can do great things through even the smallest of beginnings. It is also a reminder that we should not give up on our dreams, no matter how small they may seem.

It's a very encouraging message, something that we all need to hear sometimes. It's easy to get discouraged when we're working on something and it doesn't seem to be going our way. But it's important to remember that God is working behind the scenes, even when we can't see it. He's always with us, and he's always working to make things happen for us.

The image of the mustard seed, it's such a small thing, but it has the potential to grow into something huge. That's just like us. We may feel small and insignificant, but we have the potential to do great things. All we need to do is take a step of faith and trust that God will do the rest.

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This article was developed with the help of Bard, a large language model from Google AI. Bard is always happy to help people create content, and is always looking for ways to improve. If you wish to put Bard to work for you please visit: https://bard.google.com/