Soren Kierkegaard once said, "People demand freedom of speech as a compensation for the freedom of thought which they seldom use." Frankly, I couldn't list all the times I wish I hadn't said this or that in my life. My tongue has gotten me in trouble as much or...
“All is gift.” This phrase captures both the simple and profound message that embodies the mystery of living a Eucharistic life. You may ask “What does that mean?” And I understand. We moderns are far removed from a world where mystery and wonder and story dominated our human society....
Dear Faith Encouraged Family, Faith Encouraged's ministry Partner, Ancient Faith Publishing, has asked us all to participate in this brief survey for them. I'm asking my friends to participate. This survey takes about 5 minutes, and it will help Ancient Faith Publishing learn what our readers are looking for. The information...
A hand reaches down into the water and saves someone drowning. As uncomfortable as it may sound it’s just impossible for me to be saved. Of course, that begs the question “What do you mean by ‘saved’?” And that is the question, isn’t it? In my old way of thinking being...
I love what Mark Twain once said: "Few things are harder to put up with than the annoyance of a good example." Yep, I know what he means. I squirm under the light of someone who's life radiates a goodness I so often wish I had and all too...
What is the significance of the phrase "not made with hands?" We see this in our lesson today and we even see an Orthodox ikon of the same name. You know the ikon I'm talking about. It is the ikon of the Lord's Face that the Lord sent to...
I love this quote from Jimi Hendrix: "When the power of love overcomes the love of power the world will know peace." It seems we hear a lot about peace and how to achieve it through human history, but it always seems to be just beyond the grasp of we...
She was always cheery. It seemed no matter what, she had a smile on her face. I could count on some inspirational quote or some uplifting phrase every morning as we worked together. And then, the bottom fell out of her life. I watched as her smile began to...
In 1861 Robert E. Lee wrote, “With all my devotion to the Union and the feeling of loyalty and duty of an American citizen I have not been able to make up my mind to raise my hand against my relatives, my children, my home.” In the end, he...
In the beginning, God said.... And with that action, God has been using speaking and hearing to start the process of metania (repentance) in the hearts of those who have "ears to hear." There are so many examples of this pattern of God's actions that there are too many to...
