Life Is Pain, Highness
I love that movie! What, you don't know the movie "The Princess Bride?!" I weep for you! The whole quote is worth recalling: "Life is pain, Highness! Anyone who says differently is selling something."
Yo Mamma!
The old saying is "blood is thicker than water" and it seems that every culture has some form of this saying to reinforce the idea that family comes first! One of the strongest memories that I have as a boy growing up is my own mother reminding me that my...
The Missing Ingredient
Our ladies group at our parish is putting together a recipe book as a fundraiser for their many ministries. So, one of the leaders approached me and asked "Father, would you like to include a recipe and a message in our cookbook?" Of course, I said "yes." I love to...
Hidden Things
One of the greatest practical jokes ever played on me was when some friends actually hid my car from me while I was at work. As a teenage boy, my car was my ticket to freedom. It represented my passage from a child to a man! Besides, I looked...
The Difference Between Division and Multiplication
Politics in the US has really devolved into the competing desires and power of different "groups." And it seems current political operatives are bound and determined to make sure every "American" is shuttled into one of several defined "groups" of competing "ideologies." The "rich" against the "poor"; this "race"...
Outsiders and being Outside – The Power of Neglect
Today our Lord Jesus says He has found more faith in a Roman Centurion than in all Israel. He goes on to say that many "outsiders" will come to the Kingdom of God while those who were offered the Kingdom first will find themselves "outside" the Kingdom due to neglect...
Our Saturday Guest Blog Post – Is a Video MUST SEE!
This is a video shot at St. Sophia's Cathedral in Los Angeles. I had the honor of speaking at this beautiful parish and meeting the young man who hosts the church tour in this video. Noah is a fine example of just how our Orthodox faith is reaching out...
Free At Last, Thank God Almighty, I’m Free At Last
Janice Joplin had a hit record after her death in 1971 called "Me and Bobby McGee" that had a line that said "Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose." Kind of a depressing thought, but then again, the song is about the memory of a happier time...
Take My Yoke
"Uncle" Lawrence owned a farm, and when I was a boy, my brother and I would visit this magical place. It was the first time I'd seen how chickens were raised and eggs gathered and cows milked. But what fascinated me most was when I saw the mule being yoked...
Life Encouraged on Ancient Faith Radio
Starting TODAY, July 3, you see and hear the weekly homilies of Fr. Barnabas Powell on Ancient Faith Radio. Here are the links to the first podcast: Audio - http://www.ancientfaith.com/podcasts/lifeencouraged Video - http://www.ancientfaith.com/video/lifeencouraged Of course, you can still watch the video homilies here at LifeEncouraged.org anytime. Please share this with friends and family, and stay tuned...