Charles Dickens’ 1838 novel Oliver Twist depicts the lives and struggles of two very peculiar characters. Oliver and Nancy are both kids, orphans thrown into the chaos of human misery and misfortune, homelessness and poverty. They have absolutely nothing – no power, no position, no money, no relatives or friends. But they were not helpless […]

Those of us who are parents, who raised children and saw kids growing up know very well that children can be very specific and peculiar in what they want and when they want it. A week after they receive their Christmas presents my kids already know exactly what they want for next Christmas. Of course, […]

During the weeks of the Great Lent, the church does something amazing. Every week it brings to our attention an essential Chrisitan virtue. Like a mother holding the hand of a child, it guides us and walks us through these spiritual passages of faith, helping us to prepare mentally and spiritually for the glorious Easter and […]

The ancient myth of Narcissus is a fascinating story about a man who had everything to live a life full of joy and happiness. But he never recognized his blessings and missed every opportunity that life presented to him. Instead, he embraced and resorted to a life of self-centered admiration, which only led to delusion, […]

In 1916, a young pianist took his jeep and drove across the Arizona desert to watch and experience the sunrise over the Grand Canyon. What Ferde Grofe witnessed that early morning far surpassed all his expectations and could only be described and expressed in a language of music. Grofe’s ‘Grand Canyon Suite’ for a symphonic […]

There is a very revered ancient group of saints known as the Desert fathers and mothers. They were hermits, ascetics, and monks from the third and fourth centuries who lived, worshipped and served God in the wilderness of the Egyptian desert. St. Mary of Egypt is perhaps a saint that we don’t know much about. […]

It is always interesting to watch and observe my children’s response and reaction when they learn that their dentist or doctor sent a reminder about an annual check-up. They appear curious but also cautious, excited but also anxious. They ask questions and try to find out as much as possible, but at the end, they […]

The December 29, 1913 issue of a local London newspaper had the following advertisement for a work: “Men wanted for a hazardous journey, small wages, bitter cold, long months of complete darkness, constant danger, safe return doubtful. Honor and recognition in case of success.” One would assume that nobody would be interested in such work. […]

Last Sunday, we talked about the spiritual perspective of disappointment. We recognized that disappointment was something that even our Lord experienced in his life, ministry and relationships with his beloved disciples. We used an illustration from Vincent van Gogh’s life to highlight the importance of fighting back, not giving up and grabbing on life, love […]