mrthomasfrank

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Ireland Pilgrimage Day 9

Dublin Dublin Our ninth day in Ireland was nothing short of extraordinary. With Dublin as our backdrop, we took in centuries of history, glimpses of ancient manuscripts, and a joyful evening of Irish music and celebration. It was the perfect way to reflect on all we’ve experienced—and to bring our pilgrimage almost to a memorable close. We began the day with a panoramic tour of Dublin, winding…

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Ireland Pilgrimage Day 8

Holy Trinity Church Cork As our pilgrimage nears its final stretch, today brought a rich blend of sacred moments, awe-inspiring beauty, and the warm welcome of a new city. From Cork to Dublin, we traveled through the heart of Ireland, stopping at some of the country’s most treasured sites along the way. We began our day with Mass at Holy Trinity Church in Cork, a peaceful and prayerful space…

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Ireland Pilgrimage Day 7

Cobh Cobh Our seventh day in Ireland was one of deep reflection, striking beauty, and a taste of Ireland’s proud distilling tradition. From coastal history to sacred liturgy and a smooth finish, today had it all. We began our morning in the picturesque harbor town of Cobh, a place steeped in both history and emotion. Our first stop was the Cobh Heritage Centre, a beautifully curated museum…

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Ireland Pilgrimage Day 6

Blarney Castle Blarney Today brought a delightful blend of tradition, laughter, spirituality, and a touch of retail therapy as we made our way to the charming village of Blarney. Our first stop was the legendary Blarney Castle, a medieval stronghold wrapped in myth and surrounded by lush gardens. We climbed the narrow spiral staircase to the castle’s rooftop, where the world-famous Blarney…

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test post

Our morning began in Knock, a small village that holds an extraordinary place in the heart of Irish Catholicism. It was here, in…

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State of Portland 2023

As a follow up to my post last fall, here are some data points and facts of the state of downtown and where it is in the economic rebound. I would like to see Downtown Portland recover. What are your thoughts on making this happen?

Last fall I visited downtown after mainly staying out of the central business district (CBD) since COVID had set in. I was looking to get my daughter’s computer fixed at the Apple Store which was the only one that had next-day appointments available. After arriving and walking around the CBD, I was shocked. I took some pictures to document what I was seeing and not seeing — people. I received a…

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One Of The Best Small Towns In America - Manzanita, Oregon

Manzanita was recently named one of the best small towns in America by Architectural Digest. I couldn't agree more.

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In what ways do you communicate online? This is a test

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Weeknight Jambalaya Pasta

Looking for a great weeknight or a perfect #mealprep dish? This might be it. Easy to make your own with the spices and flavors you are looking for.

Time is critical especially when you have busy kiddos that need to go to various extracurriculars and you’re a single dad! This go-to favorite can be made ahead of time and is ready to go for a quick weeknight meal. It also works great for meal prep. Feel free to change it to make it your own! Enjoy! About Me I am a single dad raising two wonderful daughters. As I continue to explore cooking, I…

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Day 365 - The Beginning and the End

Today in the #bibleinayear journey we conclude the year long journey! God has been alongside us through this journey and he will keep speaking to us. Me must keep our eyes on Jesus and be sure we don't lose faith. #newtestament #biblereadings

Thoughts and Reflection Today we conclude the journey by reading the whole bible in a year. The book of Revelation, it ends with a new heaven and new earth. God restores everything. We all experience pain and loss, but God is always there alongside us during our suffering. Throughout this year, he has been with us in times of death and loss and he keeps speaking to us. Remember that we must…

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The Church Recap

Today we conclude the #bibleinayear journey! Thank you for joining me on this year-long journey. It has been humbling to read and reflect on the Bible each day. How well did you learn about The Church? Find out here. #newtestament #biblereading

The Acts of the Apostles is the recorded history of the early Church as it began to function and spread the word of God to the world. We read firsthand accounts fo the words and deeds of the “super-apostles” Peter and Paul. We also read about the challenges of a young, growing Church. Review Questions At the beginning of Acts, the Lord tells his followers that they will receive the Holy Spirit…

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Day 364 - Christ's Sacrifice Once for All

Today in the #bibleinayear journey we read about the fall of Babylon. God will be the ultimate judge or what we have done and our actions will matter. #newtestament #biblereadings

Thoughts and Reflection Today we read many different symbols of the book of Revelation. This book has been open to many different interpretations through the years. We read about the fall of Babylon. What and where is Babylon? Some say it was Rome and others say it was Jerusalem. The challenge for us is to remain faithful to the Lord. Through our work, we will be sure that Babylon won’t be our…

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Day 362 - The Woman Clothed with the Sun

Today we read in the #bibleinayear journey we read in revelation a vision of a woman with the sun, moon and crown of stars that came later to the people of Guadalupe. #newtestament #biblereadings

Thoughts and Reflection Today we read about in Revelation a vision of the Ark of the Covenant. In this vision, there was a woman clothed with the sun, the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars. This woman represents the last three things: Israel, the Church, and Mary, mother of Jesus. Our Lady of Guadalupe is described the same way as the vision in Revelation. In…

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Day 361 - Judgement and Repentance

Today in the #bibleinayear journey we read about where the lost Ark of the Covenant is and how we can celebrate it. #newtestament #biblereading

Thoughts and Reflection Today we read Philemon and the story of Onesimus who was Philemon’s slave. Paul helps him become Christian just like he did for Philemon. Paul tells him “I am sending him back to you…no longer as a slave but more than a slave, as a beloved brother.” This shows hows the world could be if we all treated one another as brothers and sisters. In Revelation John writes to…

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Day 360 - Heavenly Worship

Today we read in the #bibleinayear journey we read the book of Titus and what it means to live your life with displaying the gospel. #newtestament #biblereading

Thoughts and Reflection Today we read the book of Titus. He is ministering in Crete. Some of the people in Crete became Christians they are not living converted lives. Paul gives us detailed instructions on how to live. Our lives should give witness to the gospel. If we are living no different than those around us, then we are displaying that the gospel makes no difference in our lives. In…

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Day 359 - John's Apocalypse

Today in the #bibleinayear journey we read about who we should always put our faith in and won't leave us. #newtestament #biblereading

Thoughts and Reflection Today we read in Timothy that Paul reminds us that suffering is part of what we should expect from living the Christian life. Many people that Paul trusted left him. But the Lord never did. It is important for us to realize that we should rely and trust in the Lord rather our frail friends that come and go. We also started the book of Refelation. This should be…

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Day 357 - Truth and Love

Today in the #bibleinayear journey we read about love and learn the differences between affective and effective love. #newtestament #biblereading

Thoughts and Reflection Today we read about love. There are two types of love — affective (love that shows affection) and effective (love that feeds the poor, clothes the naked, and does something). Love is felt but it is more than just a feeling. Truth and love always need to go together. Love without truth is ineffectual. In Timothy, Paul writes that the love of money is the root of all evil.…