Jesus chose ordinary people - fishermen, tax collectors, everyday workers - as his disciples. Extraordinary impact comes from ordinary people who are willing to be used for a greater purpose.

Power in Ordinary

Our weaknesses can become our greatest strengths.
Discover how Peter's impulsiveness, Thomas's doubt, and John's temper transformed into platforms for growth.
<ul><li>Personal flaws can lead to growth</li>
<li>Peter: impulsive</li>
<li>Thomas: doubtful</li>
<li>John: temperamental</li></ul>

Transformation Through Weakness

None of the disciples were religious scholars or elite leaders. Their qualification was simply their willingness to follow, demonstrating that authentic faith matters more than formal credentials.

Faith Over Credentials

From tax collectors to zealots, the disciples represented opposing social and political views, yet found unity in their shared mission proving that purpose transcends differences.

Unity in Diversity

Peter, the impulsive fisherman, became a rock of the early church, showing leadership potential lies within unpolished exteriors.Key ideas:<ul><li>Leadership potential often lies beneath unpolished exteriors</li><li>Peter transformed from a fisherman to a leader in the early church</li></ul>Keep in mind: Leadership skills can be developed over time, even for those who may seem unlikely candidates at first glance.

The Peter Principle

Thomas's famous doubt led to one of the strongest declarations of faith ("My Lord and my God!"), revealing how honest questioning can lead to deeper conviction.

The Power of Doubt

John evolved from a hotheaded "Son of Thunder" to the "Apostle of Love," demonstrating how divine love can fundamentally reshape character.

Love's Transformation

Judas walked with Jesus yet remained unchanged, teaching that mere proximity to truth doesn't guarantee transformation genuine surrender is required.

The Proximity Paradox

While some disciples were vocal leaders, others like Andrew worked quietly, bringing people to Jesus without fanfare – showing the power of behind-the-scenes influence.

Silent Strength

Jesus taught his status seeking disciples that true greatness comes through serving others, reversing conventional leadership wisdom.

The Service Secre

The disciples' greatest failures including deserting Jesus became stepping stones to their greatest impact, proving that failure isn't fatal to purpose.

Growth Through Failure

God chose ordinary men to accomplish extraordinary tasks, revealing that human limitations are no barrier to divine purpose.

The Great Paradox

How Jesus chose twelve unremarkable men; fishermen, tax collectors, and laborers and transformed them into world-changers. Their story proves that extraordinary impact can come from ordinary people.

Discover how God used ordinary men, Jesus's twelve chosen disciples, to change the world, and how He can accomplish the same thing through you.You don't have to be perfect to do God's work. Look no further than the twelve disciples, whose many weaknesses are forever preserved throughout the pages of the New Testament. Join bestselling author John MacArthur in Twelve Ordinary Men as he draws principles from Christ's careful, hands-on training of the original disciples for today's modern disciple, you! Jesus chose ordinary men--fishermen, tax collectors, political zealots--and turned their weakness into strength, producing greatness from people who were otherwise unremarkable. The twelve disciples weren't the stained-glass saints we imagine. On the contrary, they were truly human, all too prone to mistakes, misstatements, wrong attitudes, lapses of faith, and bitter failure. Simply put, they were flawed people, just like us. But under Jesus' teaching and touch, they became a force that forever changed the world.MacArthur takes you into the inner circle of the disciples--their selection, their training, their personalities, and their incredible impact. As MacArthur took a closer look at the lives of the twelve disciples, he found himself asking difficult questions along the way, including:<ul><li>Why did Jesus pick each of the twelve disciples?</li><li>How did Jesus teach them everything he could in just eighteen short months?</li><li>Can the lessons that Jesus taught the disciples can still influence our faith today?</li></ul>In Twelve Ordinary Men, you'll learn that disciples are living proof that God's strength is made perfect in weakness. As you get to know the men who walked with Jesus, you'll see that if he can accomplish his purposes through them, he can do the same through you.

philosophy

Philosophy

religionandspirituality

Religion & Spirituality

personaldevelopment

Personal Development

motivationandinspiration

Motivation & Inspiration

books

Books

John F. MacArthur

Twelve Ordinary Men

1. "The soul is here for its own joy." – Rumi

2. "What you seek is seeking you." – Rumi

3. "Not all those who wander are lost." – J.R.R. Tolkien

4. "The quieter you become, the more you can hear." – Ram Dass

5. "The universe is not outside of you. Look inside yourself; everything that you want, you already are." – Rumi

6. "The wound is the place where the Light enters you." – Rumi

7. "To know the truth is to know yourself." – Anonymous

Quotes that reflect the mystical aspects, especially for Lifepath 7..

mindfulness

Mindfulness

Mystical quotes

1. "We are not just in the universe, the universe is in us." – Neil deGrasse Tyson

2. "The cosmos is within us. We are made of star-stuff. We are a way for the cosmos to know itself." – Carl Sagan

3. "Everything in the universe is within you. Ask all from yourself." – Rumi

4. "You are a universe, a world, a galaxy; you are everything that exists within the cosmos." – Anonymous

5. "Look at the stars. See their beauty. And in that beauty, see yourself." – Anonymous

6. "The universe is under no obligation to make sense to you." – Neil deGrasse Tyson

7. "The cosmos is a vast drama, and we are players in it." – Anonymous

Quotes that reflect the cosmic aspects, especially for Lifepath 7

meditation

Meditation

Cosmic quotes

John Stuart Mill’s On Liberty explores the tension between individual freedom and the authority of society or government. Mill investigates this topic to address the question of how much influence society or government can justifiably exert over individuals’ lives.

Introduction

Mill observes that the conflict between personal liberty and authority has existed since the beginning of time. This tension gave rise to the idea that liberty means freedom and protection from tyranny or abuse. Historically, this led to the establishment of representative governments, such as in the United States, where leaders are elected for limited terms and can be replaced by the people. However, Mill notes that oppression is not limited to governmental power, it can also arise from societal norms and pressures.

The Historical Struggle Between Liberty and Authority

When governments claim to represent the will of the people, they often represent only the will of the majority. This "tyranny of the majority" can impose its will on everyone, even if it contradicts individual preferences. This form of oppression is not limited to government but extends to social settings, where those who deviate from societal norms are punished in various ways.Mill argues that society must carefully consider how much public opinion should influence personal freedom and implement safeguards to prevent public opinion from gaining excessive power.

The Tyranny of the Majority

While it is essential to have rules preventing individuals from harming others, neither society nor government should dictate what people can or cannot do if their actions affect only themselves.

He acknowledges that government intervention is justified if it is for the good of society as a whole, particularly when an individual’s actions harm or risk harming others. However, as long as individuals do not violate the rights of others, they should have full control over their choices and actions. Mill also clarifies that this principle applies only to responsible adults, not to children.For Mill, individual liberty includes freedom of thought and expression, the right to choose one’s own path, and the ability to associate with others for any purpose that does not harm others.

The Role of Government in Personal Freedom

He criticizes how society often suppresses individuality by pressuring people to conform to majority opinions, either through laws or by spreading negative views about dissenters.

Mill focuses on individual liberty, particularly freedom of thought, speech, and action, and examines the limits of societal and governmental control over individuals. He notes that debates over the importance of freedom of the press are largely settled and instead discusses how societal pressures can prevent people from forming and expressing their own ideas.According to Mill, society’s tendency to suppress unpopular ideas hinders progress, as it prevents the exploration of potentially valuable truths.

Freedom of Expression and Its Social Importance

Silencing an opinion not only deprives society of the chance to evaluate its merits but also stops people from refining their understanding of other opinions in response. Open discussion and criticism are vital for a healthy society, as they help people avoid blindly following traditions and beliefs without fully understanding them.

Mill emphasizes the importance of listening to criticism of popular ideas, as it helps uncover hidden truths that can improve society. He believes human beings have the capacity to adapt and change when presented with better ideas, but this requires the freedom to discuss and challenge existing norms. Argument and debate about the truth of ideas keep their meaning alive and relevant.Despite the benefits of free expression, individuals who hold unconventional views often face social judgment or even legal repercussions.

The Role of Criticism in Social Growth

Mill worries that these pressures can lead to self-censorship, as people avoid expressing controversial opinions out of fear of being labeled immoral or heretical.This suppression stifles intellectual growth and denies society the opportunity to benefit from ideas that could combine with existing beliefs to create better outcomes.Mill argues that, while freedom of expression is crucial, views should not be protected by law from criticism. Instead, society should value the right to freely express, share, and discuss opinions, even if the public disapproves of how those opinions are presented.

After establishing the importance of freedom of expression, Mill turns to the value of individuality. He identifies a growing threat to individuality: societal indifference to its importance. Many people view uniqueness as a potential disruption to social order, yet they also recognize that mindless conformity is undesirable.

The Value of Individuality

The liberty of the individual must be thus far limited; he must not make himself a nuisance to other people.

Mill asserts that individuality is a fundamental aspect of human nature and that blindly following tradition stifles independent thought and creativity. Over time, this leads to a loss of the ability to think critically. In the past, individuals struggled to balance their individuality with societal rules; now, society struggles to encourage individuality and break free from the grip of tradition.When people fail to think for themselves or follow their natural inclinations, they risk losing essential qualities that define humanity; energy, creativity, and independent thought.

The Decline of Independent Thought

Mill argues that individuality and uniqueness are not only vital for personal development but also for social progress and the creation of new ideas.

Despite this, society often undervalues originality and creativity, prioritizing mediocrity over innovation. Mill warns that this trend threatens human advancement and urges people to embrace their individuality and creativity, rather than suppress them for the sake of conformity.

Embracing Individuality in a Conformist Society

Ultimately, Mill concludes that individuals should be free to do whatever they choose, as long as their actions do not harm others. He calls for a society that respects both personal liberty and individuality, recognizing their importance for the well-being of both individuals and the community.

Conclusion: The Balance Between Freedom and Harm

Summary of On Liberty by John Stuart Mill

In his much quoted, seminal work, On Liberty, John Stuart Mill attempts to establish standards for the relationship between authority and liberty. He emphasizes the importance of individuality which he conceived as a prerequisite to the higher pleasures-the summum bonum of Utilitarianism. Published in 1859, On Liberty presents one of the most eloquent defenses of individual freedom and is perhaps the most widely-read liberal argument in support of the value of liberty.

Understand yourself and those around you.

psychology

Psychology

history

History

politics

Politics

John Stuart Mill

On Liberty

The Cognitive Theoretical Model of the Universe (CTMU) views time not as a linear dimension but as an emergent property of reality’s self-referential processes. Time arises from the universe’s ongoing self-organization and state updates.

Time as an Emergent Property

Time is not an external dimension but an intrinsic property of self-processing reality—a measure of internal consistency within a self-configuring system.

The CTMU challenges the traditional view of time as a linear sequence. Instead, it proposes that all states of reality exist simultaneously within a unified framework. What we perceive as the flow of time is merely a byproduct of observation, where consciousness organizes these states into a sequence for comprehension. This perspective aligns with modern physics, such as block universe theory, which suggests that past, present, and future coexist. Time’s progression is not inherent to reality but a construct shaped by perception and context.

The Illusion of Sequential Time

The distinction between past, present, and future is only a stubbornly persistent illusion.

In the Cognitive Theoretical Model of the Universe (CTMU), time exists as a medium for consciousness to navigate and interpret reality. Observation organizes events into sequences, giving rise to the perception of time as linear.

The Role of Time in Observation

Time is the interface between cognition and reality—a tool for navigating existence, but not its ultimate measure.

Understanding time as both an illusion and a reality reveals our interconnected role in shaping existence. Time is not merely a constraint but a tool for self-reflection and universal coherence.

Why Time Matters

The CTMU redefines time as an emergent property of reality. Explore how time arises from self-reference and perception, challenging the illusion of linearity while shaping our experience of existence.

Time governs every aspect of our lives, from the steady ticking of the clock to the grand cycles of celestial motion. Yet, its nature remains one of the greatest mysteries of existence. Is time a fundamental aspect of reality, or is it merely a construct of perception? The Cognitive Theoretical Model of the Universe (CTMU)…

sciencefiction

Science Fiction

artificialintelligence

Artificial Intelligence

scienceandnature

Science & Nature

Time in the Cognitive Theoretical Model (CTMU): Illusion, Reality, or Both?

The Cognitive Theoretical Model of the Universe (CTMU) views the universe as inherently cognitive. Reality is a self-configuring, self-processing system where everything is interconnected. Cognition isn’t limited to humans; it is embedded in the fabric of the universe itself.

The Universe as a Cognitive System

In the CTMU, all components of reality are part of a unified system. Feedback loops and interdependence ensure the universe evolves coherently, linking every part to the greater whole.

Interconnectivity Redefined

Reality is a self-processing, self-configuring language, and everything within it is an expression of this universal syntax.

Christopher Langan explains that reality “observes” itself through interconnected systems. When we think, perceive, and create, we are participating in the cognitive processes of the universe.

Are We Part of a Thinking Universe?

Reality is not fragmented. Its apparent divisions are projections of a unified whole, an indivisible structure that operates in harmony with itself.

No event or system exists in isolation. From ecosystems to galaxies, the CTMU reveals a reality where all phenomena are linked through a self-referential framework.

Everything is Connected

If reality is a cognitive system, every thought, action, and decision we make contributes to the universe’s evolution. Understanding this empowers us to see our role in shaping the larger whole.

Why Interconnectivity Matters

Reality is not only capable of understanding itself; it must do so in order to exist. This reflexive property is what binds it together.

We live in a world that “requires” us to perceive ourselves as separate from the systems around us, and the Cognitive Theoretical Model of the Universe (CTMU) challenges this notion at its core. It proposes something both profound and transformational: the universe itself is not only interconnected but inherently cognitive. Cognition, in this sense, is…

Exploring Interconnectivity: Cognition and the Universe

यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत | अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम् ||

Sanskrit: सत्त्वं रजस्तम इति गुणाः प्रकृतिसंभवाःTranslation: Purity, passion, and inertia - these qualities arise from nature.Explanation: This explains the influence of the three modes of material nature on human behavior and consciousness.

The Three Gunas

Sanskrit: नैनं छिन्दन्ति शस्त्राणि नैनं दहति पावकः | न चैनं क्लेदयन्त्यापो न शोषयति मारुतः ||Translation: Weapons cannot cleave him, nor can fire burn him; water cannot wet him, nor can wind dry him.Description: Lord Krishna explains the indestructible nature of the soul, which transcends physical harm.

The Soul's Immortality

Sanskrit: कर्मण्येवाधिकारस्ते मा फलेषु कदाचन | मा कर्मफलहेतुर्भूर्मा ते सङ्गोऽस्त्वकर्मणि ||Translation: You have a right to perform your prescribed duties, but you are not entitled to the fruits of your actions. Never consider yourself the cause of the results of your activities, nor be attached to inaction.Description: Lord Krishna emphasizes the importance of performing one's duty without attachment to the outcome, promoting selfless action.

The Right to Action, Not to Results

Sanskrit: ज्ञानं तेऽहं सविज्ञानमिदं वक्ष्याम्यशेषतः | यज्ज्ञात्वा नेह भूयोऽन्यज्ज्ञातव्यमवशिष्यते ||Translation: I shall now declare unto you fully this knowledge, both phenomenal and noumenal, by knowing which nothing more remains to be known in this world.Description: Lord Krishna promises to impart the supreme knowledge that leads to the ultimate truth, eradicating ignorance.

Knowledge and Ignorance

Sanskrit: समोऽहं सर्वभूतेषु न मे द्वेष्योऽस्ति न प्रियः | ये भजन्ति तु मां भक्त्या मयि ते तेषु चाप्यहम् ||Translation: I am equally present in all beings; there is no one hateful or dear to Me. But those who worship Me with devotion, they are in Me and I in them.Description: Lord Krishna teaches the equality of all souls before Him and the special connection with those who are devoted.

Equality in Success and Failure

Sanskrit: यदा यदा हि धर्मस्य ग्लानिर्भवति भारत | अभ्युत्थानमधर्मस्य तदात्मानं सृजाम्यहम् ||Translation: Whenever there is a decline in righteousness, O Bharata, and a rise of unrighteousness, then I send forth Myself.Description: Lord Krishna explains His purpose for incarnation - to restore dharma (righteousness) whenever it declines.

The Divine Incarnation

Sanskrit: मन्मना भव मद्भक्तो मद्याजी मां नमस्कुरु | मामेवैष्यसि सत्यं ते प्रतिजाने प्रियोऽसि मे ||Translation: Fix your mind upon Me, be devoted to Me, sacrifice to Me, bow down to Me. You will come to Me; this is My promise, for you are very dear to Me.Description: Lord Krishna describes the path of Bhakti Yoga, emphasizing devotion as a means to realize God.

The Path of Devotion

Sanskrit: पश्य मे पार्थ रूपाणि शतशोऽथ सहस्रशः | नानाविधानि दिव्यानि नानावर्णाकृतीनि च ||Translation: Behold, O Partha, My forms by the hundreds and thousands, diverse, divine, of various colors and shapes.Description: Lord Krishna reveals His cosmic form, showing Arjuna the vastness and diversity of His divine manifestations.

The Universal Form

Sanskrit: सर्वकर्माणि मनसा सन्न्यस्यास्ते सुखं वशी | नवद्वारे पुरे देही नैव कुर्वन्न कर्मणि ||Translation: Having given up all works in the mind, the embodied soul sits happily, controlling all the senses, within the city of nine gates, not acting or causing action.Description: Lord Krishna explains the mental renunciation of actions, leading to inner peace.

The Yoga of Renunciation

Sanskrit: द्वौ भूतसर्गौ लोकेऽस्मिन्दैव आसुर एव च | दैवो विस्तरशः प्रोक्त आसुरं पार्थ मे शृणु ||Translation: There are two types of created beings in this world - the divine and the demoniac. I have already explained the divine at length; now hear from Me about the demoniac, O Partha.Description: Lord Krishna distinguishes between divine qualities that lead to liberation and demonic tendencies that lead to bondage.

The Divine and Demonic Natures

Here are 10 significant verses from the Bhagavad Gita spoken by Lord Krishna, with their original Sanskrit text, followed by an English translation...

mentalhealth

Mental Health

A. C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada is an accomplished writer whose work has resonated with readers around the world. A. C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada has published several books that explore a range of topics, from fiction to nonfiction, and has received critical acclaim for the ability to weave compelling narratives. A. C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada's writing style is known for its depth and authenticity, and has earned quite a loyal following of readers.

A. C. Bhaktivedanta Prabhupada

Bhagavad-Gita As It Is

that I can make my ideas, learnings and thoughts as my journal.

Today I Learned...

that I can use my own journal to1. Earn money2. Inspire people3. Heal me from trauma4. To regulate my mood5. Build my habit

that I can sell gold and make it as my business.

Today I Learned

to stop myself and reset my focus.

to add I am in control in my daily affirmations.

that I can create a book about battling boredom/loneliness with randomness.

that you can save a lot of money by reading.

that I can dream of a self help cafe where healing, self care and good habit building initiatives can be done.

that I like to enroll in a course for REAL ESTATE.

that 1% improvement on what you do everyday can cause a great impact on your life. Thank you James Clear for your atomic habits.

that I can put the quotes in deepstash from anime characters.

With the simple power of listening now, we can transform our relationships, our families, and our world for the better, ear by ear.

Conscious listening creates understanding.

That I can create my own affirmations.

TODAY I LEARNED...

that detachment doesn't mean you own nothing; it means that nothing owns you.

That I can cook "Pinangat". This is how I did it:1 cup water6 pcs. calamansi6 to 8 pcs. Ripe tomatoes slice pahaba1 medium red onion slice pahaba1 thumb size ginger strip4 pieces sili panigang(green long peppers)4 tsp fish sauce3/4 tsp. SaltDash of ground pepperPinch of sugar Arrange half of the slices of onions, tomatoes, ginger in the base of the pan. Put the fish on top of the ingredient.Put Onions and tomatoes on the top of fishPut salt, ground pepper, fish sauce.Simmer for 2 to 5 min. At medium heat.Put calamansi extractPut the peppersPut the sugar to tasteSimmer 2 to 3 min.

That i can use Samsung Health to improve and track my emotional wellbeing as well as help me start habits like meditation and mindful breathing.

Looking at the ceiling, I created this collection to build up an archive of my learnings and thoughts everyday

productivity

Productivity

habits

Habits

Today I learned

“We suffer more often in imagination than in reality.”

Stoicism is an ancient Greek and Roman philosophy that teaches the development of self-control and fortitude as a means to overcome destructive emotions, focusing on living in accordance with nature and reason. It emphasizes the practice of virtue as the highest good, where one's peace of mind comes from understanding what is within one's control—namely, one's own judgments and actions—and accepting what is not.

First of All, What Is Stoicism?

Lucius Annaeus Seneca (c. 4 BC – AD 65) was a Roman Stoic philosopher, statesman, dramatist, and tutor to the Roman emperor Nero. (We can talk about that crazy violin playing dude later)Known for his philosophical works, Seneca wrote extensively on ethics, with a focus on practical wisdom for living a good life.

Who Is This Seneca Guy?

Some things seem to be woven into being human. That is one reason why this ancient quote is still relatable in this day and age. Seneca hi-lights the psychological aspect of suffering—how much of our distress stems from our fears, anxieties, and imagined scenarios rather than from what is actually happening.Being cognizant of that distress can aid us in our moments of vulnerability.

How Can We Interpret The Quotes Meaning From This Century?

Personally, I will keep this mentality. Instead of focusing on how bad something could be, I will devote my energy into the reality of the situation.Will a quote from Ancient Rome change your perspective? Does this leave you with more questions and pondering? Want to go deeper? What is reality and how do we know what is bad or good? Welcome to philosophy!

Are You A Stoic?

Exploring the famous quote from Seneca…

A Stoic Take - Seneca on imagination vs. reality

I had set my heart on shadows and followed a lie

Our enemies can often correct our faults by their disparagement, just as the flattery of friends can corrupt us

Let this be a warning, so that none of us may ascribe it to our own doing if we find that others, whose ways we wish to see reformed, are corrected by the words we speak

It was misery to feel myself so weak a victim of these human emotions, although we cannot escape them, since they are the natural lot of mankind, and so I had the added sorrow of being grieved by my own feelings, so that I was tormented by a twofold agony

writing

Reading & Writing

Confessions of Saint Augustine Book IX

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