Welcome, once again, to Maxim Monday. This week we hear Fr. Thomas Hopko tell us: Don’t seek or expect praise from anyone or pity from anyone. I and my friend Paul Lazar used to call it the “PP.” No praise. No pity. We always want to have people to think: “Oh, how wonderful you are”… Continue reading Maxim Week 41
Remembering Divine Liturgy
I’m home from church today. I’ve been ill for awhile and can’t be far from home right now. I decided that I would sit back, relax and contemplate what I love about my church, The Orthodox Church of America. And what I really miss. I will sing what I can right here on my sofa.… Continue reading Remembering Divine Liturgy
Meet Ann
I thought I'd introduce to you one of the women who first helped me start down this path, this journey to joy. She was the first to challenge me. She was the first who seemed to be in my thoughts and know me. To know what needed changing. Meet Ann. Ann Voskamp. I can't remember… Continue reading Meet Ann
Out My Landing Window
Over the last many years I have come to love the bright green trees set against a brilliant blue cloudless sky. It is one of my favorite scenes. It means hope. To me anyway. As we've lived on this "farm" for nearly 13 years now, one of the things we've found most difficult are the… Continue reading Out My Landing Window
Full of His Glory
My hubby and I, together with some friends, are reading a book I read a couple years ago, Everywhere Present by Stephen Freeman. As I've been reading through it a 2nd time I remembered how much I loved chapter 3, We Live in an Altar. It is so rich and full. The premise of the… Continue reading Full of His Glory
Maxim Week 40
Don’t compare yourself with anyone. The Last Judgment is not on a curve. God doesn’t compare us one to another. Each one of us stands according to who we are, what we have received, what we have been given, and what our vocation is. Fr. Thomas Hopko About a year ago I wrote a post… Continue reading Maxim Week 40
Joy is Thankfulness
One year ago today (and I didn't do that on purpose), I wrote a post about the book “Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives: The Life and Teachings of Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica”. It is the sort of book that you will read on and off for the rest of your life because there is so… Continue reading Joy is Thankfulness
Joy Filled Children
Then Jesus called a little child to Him, set him in the midst of them, and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven. Therefore whoever humbles himself as this little child is the greatest in the kingdom… Continue reading Joy Filled Children
Letter Writing Wednesday
Have you written your letter today? Or this week? Do you know someone who has a birthday or anniversary that you could bless? Or how about someone who just needs to know someone is thinking about them? I bet on a daily basis each and every one of us knows someone from one of those… Continue reading Letter Writing Wednesday
Oh Heavenly King
The Journey to Joy for me involves daily reminders of the presence of God. What is not seen or heard is often forgotten in the rush of our daily lives. So I must fill my days with physical reminders of Him, the Resurrection and the life of all. He Who sustains me. On Sunday, June… Continue reading Oh Heavenly King
Kindler of Joy! 