Lately, for no real reason whatsoever, my thoughts are returning to Rome.

 About a year ago, I was forutnate enough to tour Italy with my mother and it was an amazing adventure.

 What made the trip for me was our tour of The Vatican and our time inside St. Peter's Basilica. What an amazing place. I took the picture which accompanies this blog. The picture is pointing towards one of the many smaller side chapels inside the Basilica. The light was just right for this picture; the multiple streams of sunshine bursting through as believers say their prayers. It was a moving, touching time.

 It's snapshot images like this one which prevent me from ever giving up on the world. There is so much blackhearted evil in this world that it can be tough to take. But that's not ALL there is. There are also bright colors, people with wonderful hearts and thoughtful minds, reasons to be hopeful about the future.

 Rome made a large impact on me. There is so much to see that there it's almost overload. The ancient architecture and the realization that this civilization was here at the time of Christ and before. At one time, Rome was the center of a world empire. The birth of organized government and military...all of it is traced to Rome.

 There is also a dark side to that history: long ago, Rome persecuted Christians. In their famed Colesium, Romans used to pit Christians against Lions while thousands looked on. Death was a sport and a sick one at that.

 But that initial persuction gave way to Rome accepting Christianity and the birth of the Catholic Church under St. Peter. Amazing, mind blowing stuff. To be in Rome, to stand inside St. Peter's Basilica and to ponder all of this is amazing. To look around the city and to see history on display is exciting. There are roads in Rome which are still in use which are more than 2,000 years old.

 I want to go back soon. I was talking about it with Mandy today. I want to take her to Rome and to show her everything I have seen. It is on my radar screen as something to plan for...hopefully soon.

 Quote Of The Day: "Do you know, my son, with what little understanding the world is ruled?" Pope Julius III

 This Day In History: John Paul I became Pope of the Roman Catholic Church on this date, August 26th, 1978. He died one month later.

 Something You Should Check Out: Enjoy this quick video featuring St. Peter's Basilica in Rome. Wow.

 As always, thanks for stopping by and reading the blog. Feel free to leave a comment below or send me an e-mail by clicking here.