St. Paisios said "Sometimes the devil deceives us and makes us unable to be pleased with anything; however, one can celebrate all things in a spiritual manner, with doxology, and secure God’s constant blessing." The older I get, the more I see gratitude and the cultivation of gratitude that is the key to spiritual peace.…
"I must not fear. Fear is the mind-killer. Fear is the little-death that brings total obliteration. I will face my fear. I will permit it to pass over me and through me. And when it has gone past I will turn the inner eye to see its path. Where the fear has gone there will be nothing. Only I will remain."…
Everyone's invited THIS WEEK! Go to www.stpaulgoc.org for registration and information!
Our trust Mac Mini died two days ago after years of service!
Ain't it just the way? Surprises happen in life and we here at Faith Encouraged just experienced one!
But, before I get to that, I want to say "Thank you" for all you do with us! What you've made possible for the growth of this…
In 1968 The Zombies recorded a song called "Time of the Season." In it there is a great lyric: "What's your name? Who's your daddy? Is he rich like me?" It was meant to communicate the moment in time of protest, a slap at the arrogant rich, and a move away from the hypocrisy the…
"I know a shortcut!" And with that, me a my buddy promptly got lost going to a friend's house! You see, I remember the days before GPS! Yes, I'm THAT old. By the way, are you aware that we now have a generation growing up that will never know what the world was like before…
"How are you today?" It's a common question we ask all the time. And I confess it was a polite greeting I was asking just to be polite. But then she gave me the answer that communicated volumes to me about her. She replied "I'm blessed!' A beautiful smile, a lilt in her voice, and…
Sometimes it's just time to move. I mean there comes a time in your life when the day has past for contemplation, planning, and consideration and the time comes to act and act fast.
But you are never going to be ready for that moment in your life without preparation. And that preparation takes three distinct…
The very nature of deception is selfish pride! To deceive someone, you have to care more for yourself than you do God or the other. Deception is the purposeful attempt to hide reality, and it leads to delusion and darkness. Always.
No wonder the first deceiver was found in the Garden with two very young creatures…
Asking for help isn't really my strong suit. Frankly, I hate doing it. And I hate doing it not because of pride or ego, but because of fear. I'm afraid of appearing weak. I'm afraid of being vulnerable. And yet, most of the times in my life where I've finally overcome my fear and asked…
