What is it about magic that we humans love? I mean we can't look into any era of history and not see "magicians," slight of hand tricks, illusions, and even attempts at mimicking miracles. We are fascinated by magic.
And that's not, necessarily, a bad thing. After all, it's good for our ego to have it…
Fr. Barnabas Powell
There's something about intimacy that scares us to death AND becomes a central hunger for our lives. We are terrified of loneliness AND intimacy!
From sociological studies showing modern society becoming more and more lonely, to small groups of Baby Boomers forming support groups to talk about death and dying, to the perennial stories of men…
"Did you hear..." That's the beginning of a moment that rarely turns out good! And that's because this is usually the beginning of a conversation that is more gossip than true. But we do love to gossip, don't we? Unfortunately, there are real consequences to spreading stories, especially when those stories are either untrue or,…
There was a day when I relished a good theological argument. Jousting with this or that "opponent" over this or that doctrine was as much fun as it was challenging. My favorite fights were over questions about the Trinity or predestination or even the very question about what was salvation anyway. I'd pour over scriptures…
It is said that Aristotle once declared "Knowing yourself is the beginning of all wisdom." And yet, St. Basil taught that the most terrifying thing for a man to do was to look into the "abyss" of his own soul. It seems one of the most important activities of one's life is also the most…
Pre-Order is open now for the Workbooks and the DVD sets!
At every parish festival; during weddings and baptisms; and even at Orthodox funerals, we always have folks who take the church tours, attend services, or visit on a Sunday morning that know little to nothing about the Orthodox Faith. Statistics show that almost 80%…
I love this Armed Forces Motto: "The more you sweat in training, the less you bleed in battle." Isn't that great? In other words, when you put the time into preparing for battle, the more ready you are to face the fight. And what is true for physical fighting is also true for the spiritual…
Steve Jobs said " Be a yardstick of quality. Some people aren't use to an environment where excellence is expected." So true. Most of us are far too comfortable with mediocrity or "that's good enough." Because of this we get a life that never is pressed to discover its potential, the possibilities. What a waste.
And…
"There's no time like the present." This and many other "time" quotes really get to a central wisdom we humans have learned: Timing is everything.
I have a dear couple who are dating. And, on top of that, they are exploring becoming Orthodox. Talk about a double whammy! Their relationship is growing with each other and…
Sometimes, the scriptures say things that really unsettle me. But I've learned when that happens, that's a clue that I am approaching a place in my own heart that needs attention. And it's beginning to dawn on me that most of the time I am unsettled by the wisdom of the Faith it's because this…