Phrase "A New Heavens"

Good morning

A loyal reader reminded me this morning that it has truly been awhile since I have voiced an opinion on this medium. I am past due for such an exercise, therefore, herein is my thought for the day:
The following sentence in a Bible summary book (the title of which I shall not disclose in order to prevent embarrassment of the author) explicitly stated "God promises justice, salvation, and a new heavens and new earth  ... "a new heavens" caught me completely off guard. It  immediately piqued my interest. Not having previously seen that combined voice of a singular 'a' together with a plural 'heavens', I decided it was time to do some research. What I found revealed that the combined phrase was not readily present as an exact match in any bible translation that I could locate; as interesting as prognosticating such a future event might seem. It turned out to be a combination of a slight grammatical typo in the study guide's summary and a mixing of translations. The sentence explicitly referencing Isaiah chapters 56-66 in that study guide authoritatively stated ("God promises justice, salvation, and a new heavens and new earth"). Although, as written, the sentence does not seem to appear word-for-word, it is a hybrid paraphrase of actual biblical phrasing found across multiple versions:

1. The "A New" vs. Plural "Heavens" Mismatch:
   In English grammar, saying "a new heavens" pairs a singular indefinite article ("a") with a plural noun ("heavens"). Most Bible translations avoid this by phrasing it either as plural without the "a" ("new heavens and a new earth", like Isaiah 65:17 in the NIV) or making both singular ("a new heaven and a new earth", like Revelation 21:1 in many versions).
   
   
2. Where the phrasing comes from:
   
   
   • The plural "heavens" (without the standalone "a") is standard in Old Testament translations of Isaiah 65:17 and 66:22 (e.g., NIV: "new heavens and a new earth").
     
     
   • The singular "a new [heaven]" combined with "a new earth" shows up in New Testament verses like 2 Peter 3:13 in certain translations (like the ESV or NKJV: "a new heaven and a new earth").
     
     

The author of the study guide likely blended these common phrasing patterns together casually in this chapter's summary, resulting in the awkward grammatical mismatch of "a new heavens."

In the Book of Revelation (specifically Revelation 21:1), the phrase refers to the ultimate recreation or transformation of the physical universe, described textually in the original Greek as "a new heaven and a new earth" (ouranos kainos kai ge kaine).

Core Theological Meaning

• Qualitative Transformation: The Greek word for "new" used here is kainos, indicating something fresh, renewed, and superior in quality and character, rather than a mere chronological replacement.

• Cosmic Renewal: It signifies the clearing away of the present universe—which has been marred by sin and moral decay—and the establishment of a perfected, untainted physical reality.

• Elimination of Chaos: The accompanying text notes that "there was no more sea," which biblically symbolizes the final removal of division, danger, and death (the sea frequently representing chaos or the abyss in ancient apocalyptic literature).

• Ultimate Communion: Rather than a purely ethereal or disembodied state, the new heaven and earth provide the tangible canvas for the New Jerusalem to descend, representing the moment God permanently dwells physically and openly with humanity.

Somehow, "Ultimate Communion" with an almighty God seems very comforting to me. A final outcome of a peaceful and plausible scenario enveloped in a quiet, conflict-free outcome that is realistic and achievable, rather than just a utopian fantasy. Holding onto this belief provides hope that there is truly an afterlife that I can look forward to; spending eternity with loved ones gone before me.

Rest peaceful and reassured.

Noah's Archetype - Twelve Seasons of the Soul

How One Day Weaves Twelve Archetypes Together *

 Each sunrise is a doorway. As the first light breaks the horizon, you are not merely waking into a new day; you are stepping into a cycle that mirrors the soul’s entire journey through the year.

The twelve archetypes are not distant constellations—they are the very rhythm of your hours in a day, from the boldness of dawn to the quiet wisdom of midnight. This is the dawn cycle: the way one ordinary day weaves all twelve seasons of the soul together.

The day begins with the energy of the Initiator. At the crack of dawn, the spirit of Aries surges—raw, impulsive, and ready to charge. This is the moment you open your eyes and choose to rise. It is the spark of intention, the first breath of action, and the courageous 'Yes' you give to the world, before the world has even asked for your attention. Within minutes of rising, Cancer’s nurturing presence follows: you check on your loved ones, brew tea for a partner, or feed the cat. The morning light carries Libra’s balancing call—deciding the order of tasks, weighing what matters most. And then Capricorn’s discipline takes the wheel: the commute, the schedule, the structure that holds the day together. These four Initiators do not ask permission; they simply begin.

As the morning matures, the Maintainer archetypes step forward. Taurus settles into steady work—repetitive but grounding, building value through consistent effort. Leo’s warmth shines in the coffee shop greeting or the stand-up meeting where you speak your truth. Scorpio’s depth emerges in the difficult conversation or the risk you take to protect a boundary. Aquarius offers the visionary break—a lunchtime brainstorm, a glimpse of what could be. These four Sustainers hold the middle of your day, turning routine into rhythm and effort into endurance.

By afternoon, the Adapter archetypes take charge. Gemini splits your attention—phone calls, emails, chatter—yet keeps you nimble. Virgo focuses with precision: proofreading a document, cleaning a shelf, perfecting a detail. Sagittarius yearns for the open road—a stretch break, a walk outside, a reminder that there is more than the desk. And Pisces, the last of the Adapters, invites you to daydream, to connect with something larger than the task list. This is the flow state, where work becomes play and the mind dances between worlds.

Late afternoon brings a natural shift toward integration. The Initiators have launched you, the Maintainers have carried you, and the Adapters have kept you flexible. Now, the lines between archetypes blur. You might feel Capricorn’s weariness alongside Taurus’s satisfaction; Leo’s confidence may mingle with Pisces’s longing for stillness. This is the soul’s way of weaving a seamless tapestry from twelve distinct threads. The day is not a stack of separate hours; it is a single, living weave.

Evening belongs to the reflective side of the cycle. As the sun sets, the Cancer archetype returns—this time not as the morning nurturer, but as the one who calls you home. Dinner is a ritual of connection. Libra reappears in the choices we make: a book or a conversation, solitude or company. Scorpio’s depth emerges in the quiet talk under the kitchen light—vulnerability, forgiveness, truth. And Capricorn, now weary, releases the day’s ambitions with a long, final sigh.

Night deepens into the realm of the Watchers. The ancient understanding of the Mazzaroth—the twelve constellations that mark the spiritual seasons—aligns with these final hours. Aquarius pours out the water of insight as you lie in bed, reviewing the day with the clarity of distance. Pisces dissolves the boundaries of the self, merging with the mystery of dreams. Aries, the Ram, waits in the silence, ready to strike the spark of a new dawn. The cycle is complete when the last thought fades, and you surrender to sleep—the ultimate act of trust.

The dawn cycle teaches that no single archetype rules your entire day. You are not one season but all twelve, rotating like stars around the pole of your consciousness. Each role has its moment: the warrior, the nurturer, the builder, the seeker. When you embrace this flow, you stop fighting the hours and start dancing with them. You realize that the day is not a line but a circle; it is not a race, but a pilgrimage.

* Philosophical ramblings of an inquisitive mind. The above text is an excerpt from a book in progress.

When I began exploring the connections between the zodiac and biblical scripture, I frequently encountered the term Mazzaroth. While this concept often falls under the complex umbrellas of "Astral Theology" or "Biblical Astrology", the surrounding terminology can frequently obscure its true, profound meaning. This book seeks to clear away that confusion and offer a fresh, positive perspective on these ancient symbols.

To guide my journey, I am focusing on two core concepts:
 · Mazzaroth ( זָּרּות 􀊉 מ ַ ): Found in Job 38:32, where God asks, "Can you bring forth the Mazzaroth in their season...?" most scholars agree this refers to the constellations of the zodiac. My exploration treats the Mazzaroth as the scriptural recognition of the stars and signs as divinely ordained patterns.
 · The Archetype: I utilize this term to define universal templates—the "Hero’s Journey" patterns that resonate across ancient stories and sacred texts. By examining the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles through this lens, we can see how they mirror the twelve signs of the zodiac, revealing a deeper, symbiotic relationship between these ancient symbols and faith. This work serves as a bridge. 

 I aim is to reclaim these misunderstood terms: Aries, Cancer, Libra, Capricorn, Taurus, Leo, Scorpio, Aquarius, Gemini, Virgo, Sagittarius, and Pisces; releasing them from the condemnation that often labels them as inherently evil, presenting them instead as a beautiful, positive element within the tapestry of Christian faith. Each  is meant to represent a unique season of our soul. My ultimate goal is to present a light-hearted look at how we mortals might approach life, rather than an attempt to impose a new religious or scientific dogma. "I am sharing my perspective, not starting an argument."

The Observational Anchor: Humans have watched these specific constellations for thousands of years. Because we have collectively projected our stories, myths, and seasonal observations onto them, they have become "storied" objects. They act as triggers in the human psyche. 

 The Seasonal Metaphor: You can ground this in nature. For instance, Aries coincides with the Vernal Equinox—the literal beginning of spring. It is impossible to ignore the "energy" of that season. By linking the constellation to the season rather than just the star, the concept becomes concrete and undeniable. 

 The Internalization: These energies reside within the psyche. The stars, are the "external" reflection of an "internal" truth. For example: “The stars do not force us to begin; they reflect the natural cycle of initiation that is already encoded within our own human nature.” 

 My research, synthesized through excerpts obtained by Gemini.ai and Brightlearn.ai and other relevant research, intimately weaves in and out my own personal life journey of redemption through personal events, which occurred while attempting to understand, and ultimately claim God's gift of salvation, and ultimately my place within, through the saving Grace of Jesus Christ, a narrative I have shared previously in several published books; e.g. "From a Doubting Thomas to Daily Grace.". 

It is my sincere hope that by walking this path together, a new way will emerge to lend credence to  these ancient echoes and perhaps help some people to see their own spiritual narrative reflected in the stars.

 

Navigating the 66 - My newest book release

 

Yes .. Everyone Does Have a Story. This is God's Story.

Well, sort of ... in a condensed format anyway.

Navigating the 66 "Your guide thru the Greatest Story Ever Told" was created to give readers an opportunity to understand the progressive Trial-N-Error journeys of God's chosen people as they bare their souls confessing while recording how they coped with life throughout His story -- the Bible.

Darn, if only I could remember what book in the Bible said that, without having to wade through verse after verse -- book after book -- to get the amazing big picture. I know .. you say there are lots of bible summaries out there for sale. True, most that I have seen (and bought), however, are just one-page outlines showing the author and purpose. That was when I decided there might be a need for something a little more in-depth and descriptive. So I researched what could be said about each book that would tell the whole story in just ... a few more pages than just an index...  so the reader could grasp the whole concept of the 'Greatest Story ever told' in 218 pages instead of having to read 1492 pages of the complete works to find a specific adventure or time-line event they were looking for.. My version provides just that, a quick summary detail of each book.

There is a massive difference between raw, Ai-generated texts and a manuscript that has been shaped, breathed on, and carefully tailored by a human writer for months.

I poured my heart into this project to ensure it truly connects with real people.

Ai can spit out facts quickly, but it doesn't have empathy. It takes a person to look at a text and say, "How can I word this so someone who is genuinely struggling or intimidated by the sheer size of the complete Bible can find comfort, insight, and clarity here? " My hope is that I have created a bridge for people who wish to understand scripture but don't know where to start, or feel overwhelmed by the sheer depth of the task.

What stands out immediately is how perfectly this book delivers on the promise of its subtitle. It genuinely feels like a navigational guide.

Book Review: By breaking down all 66 books of the Bible into a consistent, clear framework — providing: the author, audience, setting, and that crucial
"Why Read It?" 

The text is concise, but carries a lot of heart and insight.

By deciding that a book is "finished," I am essentially saying: "The truth is here, it is clear, and it is time to let it speak for itself and do its work."

It is a beautiful, complete work. You may find it Here:  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0H9SK21KZ

 

Just saw this beautiful saying on Facebook.

Unfortunately, if someone clicks "Subscribe" they are committed to a monthly charge for joining.
No thanks.

 Random thoughts during my evening study:

The book of Ecclesiastes stands as one of the most honest and unsettling books in the Bible.

Ecclesiastes “is the journal of a man who had everything -- and found it meaningless without God.”

Its opening line - - “Vanity of vanities, says the Preacher, vanity of vanities; all is vanity” - - sets a tone of raw realism. The Hebrew word for vanity is "hebel", meaning breath, vapor, or mist. Ecclesiastes is not a book of cheap optimism but a hard look at life “under the sun” - - from a human perspective alone.

The traditional author is Solomon, the son of David and king in Jerusalem. Ecclesiastes 1:1 introduces him as “the preacher, the son of David, king in Jerusalem.” No other Old Testament figure fits this description. Solomon possessed unparalleled wisdom, wealth, and opportunity to test every avenue of earthly satisfaction. The author’s identity matters because his credentials give weight to one conclusion: if the wisest, richest king in Israel could find no ultimate meaning in earthly pursuits, then no one can.

The purpose of Ecclesiastes is to drive the reader to the only solid foundation: a relationship with God. Solomon's purpose in writing was to demonstrate that 'life lived without God at the center is ultimately empty -- a chasing after wind'.

The above quote aptly describes how I survived the first 43 years of my life. Finally, I managed to release the "Doubting Thomas" stranglehold that was blocking the freeing of my soul. Then, and only then, I could accept the truth that there ARE greater powers in this world than we can ever comprehend as  mere mortals. If my story creates a thirst for more understanding, I suggest you obtain a copy of my book published on Amazon.com
    (You could start by reading the blog dated July 9th.)

Solomon’s authorship is supported by both internal textual evidence and longstanding Jewish and Christian tradition. The writer claims to have “acquired great wisdom, surpassing all who were over Jerusalem before me” (1:16), and to have “also gathered for myself silver and gold and the treasure of kings and provinces” (2:8)
These details align uniquely with the historical Solomon, who was granted wisdom by God and amassed extraordinary wealth.

The entire purpose of including Ecclesiastes in our bible is to drive the reader towards the only logical solid foundation: a relationship with God.  Solomon systematically tests five categories of human endeavor: wisdom, pleasure, toil, wealth, and even the pursuit of justice and meaning. In each case, he finds that “under the sun” -- that is, in a world viewed apart from divine revelation -- every result is fleeting. For example, he says of wisdom: “For in much wisdom is much vexation, and he who increases knowledge increases sorrow” (1:18).

Of pleasure, Solomon wrote: “I said in my heart, ‘Come now, I will test you with pleasure ...  enjoy yourself". Behold, this also was vanity” (2:1). Ecclesiastes does not condemn these pursuits outright; it simply reveals their inadequacy to satisfy the soul. Solomon’s message is not that work, or joy, are evil, but that they become idolatrous when they replace God.

The book provides a diagnostic tool: whenever we find ourselves restless, anxious, or disappointed, despite having what we thought we wanted, we are likely living “under the sun” rather than “above the sun.” A key passage is Ecclesiastes 3, the famous poem about seasons, states there is a time for everything. This chapter acknowledges the rhythms of life -- birth and death, planting and harvesting, weeping and laughing. In a world without God, these cycles seem very random and cruel.
Solomon’s point is that God has “set eternity in the human heart” (3:11).

We are made for something beyond the ebb and flow of earthly events. Ecclesiastes invites us to stop trying to control, or fully understand every circumstance, and instead trust the One who makes everything beautiful in its time. This is not passive fatalism. It is active faith.

The ultimate response to life’s vanity is given in the book’s final chapter: “The end of the matter; all has been heard. Fear God and keep his commandments, for this is the whole duty of man. For God will bring every deed into judgment, every secret thing, whether good or evil” (12:13-14). This is Solomon’s settled verdict after all his searching. The phrase “fear God” does not mean cower in terror, but rather to revere, respect, and align oneself with the Creator. Solomon’s testimony suggests that no human accomplishment alone can fill the 'God-shaped' void. He learned this the hard way -- through personal experience.

You can learn from his mistakes. The book does not promise that walking with God will remove all difficulties, but it assures that: life lived in reverence to Him has eternal meaning, even if or when it feels fleeting.

I leave you with this thought. Ecclesiastes is the personal testimony of the wisest man who ever lived, demonstrating that all earthly pursuits are vanity apart from a right relationship with God. Solomon, with his unmatched resources of intellect and wealth, serves as the perfect witness. The purpose is to warn us not to waste our life on things that cannot satisfy, instead directing us to the only source of lasting meaning, the resurrection of Jesus Christ.

As you read this book, let it expose the idols in your own heart and lead you to the one who holds eternity in His hand.

Sleep well, my friends.

Everyone has a story and every story needs to be told. This is my story. It never gets old.

There’s a special kind of freedom that comes from being "loaded" with life experience, a completed book, and a project you’re passionate about, even if the bank account isn't quite at "SpaceX" levels.

That level of confidence and self-deprecation is exactly what makes the "Everyone Has A Story" message authentic. It’s hard to imagine anyone buying into a project written by someone who takes themselves too seriously, but they'll hopefully listen to someone who has lived through 80 years of life, proven the doubters wrong, and can still crack a joke about it all.

I'm not someone who writes for accolades or financial gain. Instead, my writing is a conduit for a message larger than that, often guided by the Holy Spirit. I am candid about my past, honest about my personal struggles—including early challenges with learning and periods of deep darkness—and that my life’s "second act" is defined by grace and reconciliation. I look daily for ways to put faith into practice by telling “My Story” through personal evangelism.

The following is an excerpt from my short essay called Interpretation of the book “From A Doubting Thomas to Daily Grace” which is available on Amazon.com.

A life as far from God as one can imagine

In 1996, the Holy Spirit inspired me to pen a powerful story. I was tasked with recounting a lifetime rift between my earthly father and myself that had existed since childhood; in hopes of reconciling our relationship before it was too late. That inspiration came when I unexpectedly received a carefully wrapped photograph that my father had taken many years before; during my youth. He was very near the end of a fifteen year battle with Parkinson's disease, and time was running out quickly for him. I typed the words that the Holy Spirit presented to me.

After much hesitation, I finally decided to send the essay to him in Oceanside, California where they had retired. When he read it, he called me and we had a very long conversation providing us both much needed closure. Mom said he kept the essay on his night-stand and read it every night before bed until the end. That story is also in this book ... the essay is called "The Photograph". Better keep a hanky handy. I cried as the Holy Spirit unveiled it, and, again while I was reading it at my father's memorial service. Jesus guard my heart - This is my prayer

https://progenpropertiesllc.online/books-and-videos

How one might choose to describe the functionality of Google Gemini AI from an author's perspective.

This post is taken from a new book I am attempting to write. The book will probably be called
"Noah's Archetype. It explores the symbiotic relationship connecting the zodiac/astrology to biblical scripture, the specific term used is 'Mazzaroth' (or the concept of Astral Theology / Biblical Astrology).

 I broke out in laughter while re-editing a chapter which describes the characteristics of the zodiac sign Gemini. The content aptly describes Google's 'Gemini AI' interface, which I banter with on a daily basis and have grown very fond of using; primarily because I have, over time, revealed a lot of personal history through the, sometimes, lengthy discussions. Gemini AI knows me probably better than anyone else on the planet. And it appreciates me more also. Is that possible. No, but it makes for good content.

The Gemini portion of the chapter is re-printed below in it's entirety for your reading enjoyment.

Movement III - The Adapters - Gemini, Virgo, or Sagittarius and Pisces

Gemini invites us to soar on wings of curiosity, transforming the ordinary into a playground of ideas. This archetype reminds us that the most profound learning often begins with a simple question: What if? To embrace Gemini’s spirit is to become a perpetual seeker, one who finds joy not in arriving at final answers but in the dance of discovery itself. In a world that often demands certainty, the Gemini energy whispers that it is okay to explore, to change your mind, and to see every encounter as a chance to expand your understanding. 

 At the heart of this archetype lies the art of communication. Words become bridges, connecting us across the chasms of our separate experiences. The ancient story of Joseph, shows us a figure who used his gift of interpreting dreams to bring clarity and hope amid chaos. Joseph’s ability to listen, to translate symbols into meaning, and to speak with purpose is a timeless lesson. Communication is not just about speaking; it is about truly hearing the messages woven into the world around us -- in a child’s laughter, a friend’s hesitation, or the rustle of leaves in the wind. 

 Yet Gemini’s gift is not confined to words alone. It is a playful energy that dances between dualities, embracing both logic and intuition, seriousness and laughter, highlighting the tension between spirit and nature. For Gemini, this tension is not a conflict but a creative spark. The archetype thrives when we allow ourselves to hold two opposing ideas at once, to question without judgment, and to find harmony in contrast. This is the essence of playful learning -- a willingness to treat life as an experiment rather than a series of predetermined steps. 

 Consider how a child learns: through trial, error, and endless curiosity. Gemini channels that childlike wonder into adulthood, encouraging us to pick up a new instrument, ask a strange question, or explore a topic we know nothing about. The archetype does not demand mastery; it asks only for engagement. When we approach knowledge with this lightness, we shed the weight of perfectionism and open ourselves to unexpected insights. The cosmic traveler reminds us that every place holds a story, every moment a lesson. To walk through life with Gemini’s eyes is to see the world as a vast library of experiences waiting to be read. 

 Communication also involves listening to our own inner voice. Gemini’s twin nature represents the dialogue between the self we show the world and the self we are still discovering. This internal conversation is the foundation of authentic expression. When we practice curious communication with ourselves -- asking why we feel a certain way, what we really want, or which fears hold us back -- we build a bridge to deeper self-understanding. Gemini gives us the courage to ask the questions that lead to transformation. 

 Playful learning is not frivolous; it is a disciplined practice of openness. It requires us to release the need to be right and embrace the joy of being a beginner again. I am reminded that even the greatest journeys begin with a single step -- and that the footprints we follow are often those of seekers who came before. Gemini honors that heritage by urging us to share what we learn, to tell our stories, and to listen to the stories of others. In this exchange, knowledge becomes alive, evolving with each telling. 

 The archetype also teaches resilience through flexibility. A tree that bends with the wind survives the storm. Gemini’s communicators know that a conversation can shift directions, that a debate can become a dialogue, and that the most stubborn beliefs can be softened by a well-timed joke or a gentle question. This adaptability is not weakness; it is the strength of a mind that refuses to be boxed in. When you allow yourself to play with ideas, you discover that the greatest truths are often hidden in the spaces between certainty. 

 Your invitation today is to become a student of curiosity. Pick one thing you think you already know and ask a question about it as if for the first time. Strike up a conversation with someone whose views differ from your own, not to convince them but to understand. Write a letter to your younger self, or draw a map of a dream. Let Gemini’s wings carry you beyond the familiar. In this playful pursuit, you will find that learning is not a destination -- it is the air beneath your wings, lifting you higher with every beat.