tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-48533252921451466162024-03-13T18:27:23.213-04:00Diary of a Defeated ManWe are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. 2 Corinthians 4:8-9Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07376739560852754189noreply@blogger.comBlogger57125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853325292145146616.post-83614734488363692572012-05-14T14:45:00.000-04:002012-05-14T14:45:41.776-04:00Evolved<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I HATE POLITICS. Recently, President Obama announced that his views on gay marriage have "evolved." Ignoring momentarily the glaring political motivation behind this statement, what does it even mean to have "evolved" in your views? Surely, the word "evolve," or progress implies improvement and going with the times. I, however, disagree with Mr. Obama and counter that these days, progress is becoming too frequently confused with regression.
In the days of the Councils, theological scholars argued and debated until conclusions were reached on how to properly worship and praise Him. The difference between then and now is the goal. A baby is often told what not to do, but is never explained what he would have to do to be a perfect child. A dog learns only what not to do when he is admonished for relieving himself indoors. A man who lives only by man-made laws knows only to do what will not cause him to be incarcerated. On the contrary, we as Christians now have a model of perfection in Christ. We are told to meditate on Christ and "be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect."
More so than ever, the debate on progress is not regarding the amount of progression, but rather the direction. I don't think there was any doubt that the end to slavery was progressive, but there is certainly a difference of opinion in modern times on the subject of homosexuality and abortion from a supposed viewpoint of morality. Certainly, the motivation of influencing others is the same from both sides, but the goal is not. There is only one morality, as there is only one God. Those following the Higher Law will understand the correct progression. Mind the misguided masses, and don't be led astray.Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07376739560852754189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853325292145146616.post-83314770939191527882011-04-27T12:05:00.002-04:002011-04-27T12:15:22.827-04:00Choosing to See GodSOME PEOPLE HAVE IT ALL WRONG. They are waiting for a divine revelation, or empirical evidence "and only then will I believe in God!" But faith, like love, doesn't work like that. It takes work. It is a struggle. Blame what you will, but as LZ Granderson points out, the flaw is in man. The choice is yours, and just as the existence of God cannot be proven, one cannot disprove Him. You'll likely find compelling arguments for whichever side you choose to believe, but on what should have been a normal day on his way to a pizza shop, LZ Granderson chose to see God. His article is beautiful and I implore you to take a few minutes to read his story.<br /><br /><a href="http://articles.cnn.com/2011-04-26/opinion/granderson.belief.pastor_1_god-wrong-direction-rose?_s=PM:OPINION">Article</a>Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07376739560852754189noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853325292145146616.post-77572457494906285062010-11-14T20:04:00.003-05:002010-11-14T21:28:27.864-05:00Pursuing the Wrong GoalAFTER A LONG HIATUS, I am back. Thanks to all who have checked in periodically. <div><br /></div><div>Life caught up with me. I began concerning myself with accomplishing things. That's a funny word isn't it? Accomplish. A person can be very "accomplished." To a layperson, that would generally mean that person is older, has traveled, possibly has a good education, and likely has a sizable bank account. Is that truly in line with the Christian lifestyle? I suppose it can be, but let's look further. </div><div><br /></div><div>The truth is, when I started writing this, this wasn't where I intended the post to end up. It really just dawned on me, so if my thoughts seem scattered, I apologize, but bear with me. </div><div><br /></div><div>I'm sure even my 2nd grade Sunday schoolers could tell you that focusing on the worldly is not in accord with the gospel. So what exactly are we supposed to do here? The answer to that is usually generic, but it doesn't really answer the underlying question. I could ask you why you are hungry, and you could tell me about chemicals being released to the brain increasing appetite, even though a simple "I haven't eaten" would suffice. </div><div><br /></div><div>Folks, in that analogy lies the answer to our original question: what does it mean to be accomplished? I submit to you that the ultimate accomplishment is being closer to God. So, to become accomplished here in the temporal, you must act in ways to bring you closer to that ultimate goal. Certainly, you must not forgo each and every hobby that you enjoy, but to move on to that next level, you must be ready to sacrifice. </div><div><br /></div><div>On a personal level, I am ready to slow my life down. Any accomplishment I may think I am making that would bolster my resume, or improve a skill, or even help my community, is in vain if it isn't in God's name. </div><div><br /></div><div>Isn't it funny how the we sometimes miss even the most fundamental of concepts? </div>Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07376739560852754189noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853325292145146616.post-83654455637209634422010-05-02T14:48:00.003-04:002010-05-02T15:08:56.099-04:00Freedom of Religion, or Freedom from Religion?<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://charlottehutson.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/locke.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 485px; height: 566px;" src="http://charlottehutson.files.wordpress.com/2009/08/locke.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><div>TO MOST, HIS picture is unrecognizable, but to the political science major, it is none other than John Locke. Locke is to blame for the oft misquoted phrase "separation of church and state." Locke, a man who described himself as an Anglican until he died, envisioned a government that was free from influence from the direct influence of the Church, but I wonder what even he would say about the path our nation is headed now.</div><div><span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span>A <a href="http://newsweek.washingtonpost.com/onfaith/panelists/jim_daly/2010/04/a_day_of_prayer_for_judicial_common_sense.html">recent decision in a Federal Court in Wisconsin</a> has ruled National Prayer Day to violate the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment. According to the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lemon_v._Kurtzman">Lemon Test</a>, Federal endorsement of such a day is considered constitutional if (i) it has a secular purpose, (ii) its primary purpose is one that neither advances nor inhibits religion, and (iii) doesn't foster an excessive government entanglement with religion. It is hard to imagine how a national day for prayer can survive the Lemon Test, but this should not stop us from prayer ourselves. We, as Christians, do not need to be reminded by Congress to ask God for protection of this country. What this country needs is for us to pray everyday for the peace in this country. This is especially evident after <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/2010/05/02/nyregion/02timessquare.html?fta=y">yesterday's bomb scare in Times Square</a>. </div><div><br /></div><div>Here are links for more information on <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Locke">John Locke</a> and <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/National_Day_of_Prayer">National Day of Prayer</a>. Take solace knowing that the overruling of National Prayer day will take years of appeals and resistance from the Congressional Prayer Caucus before it will take effect. Also, ask yourself if the framers and the political thinkers such as John Locke really intend where our nation is headed? Lastly, do the Establishment Clause and Free Exercise Clause of the First Amendment really guarantee freedom from religion, or is that a new ideology?</div>Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07376739560852754189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853325292145146616.post-11541852965992147182010-03-27T12:31:00.001-04:002010-03-30T21:56:43.827-04:00Tolerating the Intolerable<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://mossavi.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/tlrance.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 392px; height: 318px;" src="http://mossavi.files.wordpress.com/2008/07/tlrance.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><div>A BIT LATE, but I finally decided on a New Year's Resolution. This year I will no longer tolerate that which I find to be intolerable. I'm willing to bet that most Christians believe their religion preaches tolerance. No. This is wrong. A matter of fact, the word "tolerance" is not mentioned in the Bible, not even once. Christianity teaches love and respect.</div><div><br /></div><div>I admit, I did not understand this at first, but that was because I had an incorrect understanding of the definition of these words. The dictionary definition of the word "tolerance" is "a fair, objective, and permissive attitude toward those whose opinions, practices, race, religion, nationality, etc., differ." The same source states that "respect" is defined as "deference to a right, privilege, privileged person, or someone or something considered to have certain rights or privileges; proper acceptance or courtesy." To sum, tolerance is more of a passive allowance while respect is simply an acknowledgment of a person's rights. </div><div><br /></div><div>G.K. Chesterton stated that "Tolerance is the virtue of the man without convictions." How can one tolerate something they feel so strongly against? We are Christian, and we should feel repulsed when someone speaks or acts against the teachings of the Truth. Are we not equally offended when confronted with a socially deplorable act such as drunk driving or rape? When a close friend or family member is slighted, do we not become defensive? Why then do we not do the same for acts displeasing in the eyes of God? The truth is, we would if we understood and loved our beliefs as much as we should. </div><div><br /></div><div>Before I conclude, I remind that as Christians, we are called to treat one another with love and respect, just as Christ loved even those who persecuted Him. This is a very thin line, and must be navigated carefully. </div><div><br /></div><div>Please pray for me and for another that He may touch all of us with strength and love to fight injustice according to His will. </div>Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07376739560852754189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853325292145146616.post-38104109355722450612010-02-21T19:50:00.002-05:002010-02-21T19:53:17.648-05:00The Volume of our Actions<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeB84Jv8ypw/SkLxtPB8egI/AAAAAAAAAKU/9sVkYhZJZVA/s400/Saint+Cyril+of+Jerusalem.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 400px; height: 354px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_eeB84Jv8ypw/SkLxtPB8egI/AAAAAAAAAKU/9sVkYhZJZVA/s400/Saint+Cyril+of+Jerusalem.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; color: rgb(204, 204, 204); "><div style="text-align: left;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:arial;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family:Georgia, serif;font-size:130%;color:#000000;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: 16px; font-weight: normal;">Our actions have a tongue of their own; they have an eloquence of their own, even when the tongue is silent. For deeds prove the lover more than words. - St. Cyril of Jerusalem</span></span></b></span></span></div></span>Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07376739560852754189noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853325292145146616.post-27478861612473157052010-01-13T13:45:00.006-05:002010-01-15T14:52:07.869-05:00Love Like the SunIT IS TOUGH to find any positives from <a href="http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424052748704130904574643821742562800.html?mod=googlenews_wsj">tragedies such as that which occurred Christmas Eve in Nag Hammadi.</a> It is understandable to feel a certain anger and hatred to those who committed these heinous acts, and those related to them. It is also understandable to be upset at the Higher Being allowing such acts. More recently, the <a href="http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/8456819.stm">earthquakes in Haiti </a>in which the death toll is feared to be in the "thousands."<br /><br />I don't wish to talk about the "fairness" of what is going on in life, that subject has been heard and seems to be unconvincing to most. I'd rather talk about unconditional love. The type of love that asks for nothing in return. We must ask ourselves, where are we in our spiritual lives; are we able to forgive unconditionally?<br /><br /><blockquote>Even after all this time<br />The sun never says to the Earth<br />"You owe Me."<br /><br />Look what happens<br />with a love like that,<br />It lights the whole world.<br />-Hafiz</blockquote><br />We sometimes are under the impression that there is a certain account we have with God. As if we are doing Him a favor. With that mentality, we believe that God owes us. How preposterous an idea! All we have is a gift from Him. In the widsom of the Church Fathers, we recite in the liturgy that "we offer you Your own gifts from what is Yours." The fool becomes angry, the wise is thankful, and the loving help their brethren. <br /><br />Throughout all this calamity, Christ is glorified. Thousands of people offering care, prayers, and help to strangers. Unconditional love, seeking nothing in return, simply because others are suffering. Why do terrible acts happen? Because this is what we need to remember that we are all family on this Earth.Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07376739560852754189noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853325292145146616.post-89773710580980897882010-01-06T20:29:00.003-05:002010-01-06T21:36:35.042-05:00Merry ChristmasTHE COPTIC CHURCH, along with many other Orthodox Churches celebrates the birth of Christ on January 7th. I could write about the humility of our Lord being born in a manger, His sinless nature of a virgin-birth, or maybe the wisdom and faith of the wise men for following a star to offer gifts to a child. There is much to be learned, but it's already known.<br /><br />The fact is, the earliest church didn't even celebrate the birth of Christ. St. Clement of Alexandria mentions that the Egyptians of his time celebrated the Lord's birth on May 20. At some point by the 3rd or 4th century, the Western Churches began celebrating Christ's birth in the winter. Around that time it was agreed by the Church (capital "C") to celebrate the nativity of our Lord Jesus Christ on December 25 (or the 29th of Kiahk of the Coptic calendar). As a second grader asked me on Sunday, where the heck (not her words) did January 7th come from?<br /><br />At that time, and up until about the sixteenth century, the calendar in use was the Julian calendar, named after Julius Caesar who implemented it about 50 years before Christ was born. This calendar considered the year to be 365.25 days and, like the Coptic Calendar, had a leap year every four years. As was soon found out by Pope Gregory XII (who had an interest in astrology and wondered why the vernal equinox was now at March 11, when it used to fall on March 21), the calendar year was actually 365.2422 days. This equates to a difference of a full day every 128.2 years.<br /><br />Pope Gregory XIII decreed that the Julian calendar should be shortened by 3 days every 400 years. He did this by making every year divisible by 100 not a leap year unless it is divisible by 400 (so since the decree, 1700, 1800, and 1900 have not been leap years, although 1600 and 2000 have). Most strikingly, in 1582AD, he advanced the calendar by ten days and made October 5th into October 15th. The new calendar came to be known as the Gregorian calendar and is now widely used throughout the world. <br /><br />So the 13 day gap between Western Christmas and Orthodox Christmas is explained (in case you missed it, the ten days Pope Gregory advanced the calendar and the three missed leap years in 1700, 1800, and 1900), but the question is, why don't we (the Copts) align ourselves to the Gregorian calendar? Simple! Because we have always followed the Coptic calendar and we simply continued to do so. Imagine celebrating Christmas in the middle of Kiahk? Yikes!<br /><br />So there you have it, the reason us Copts get to take advantage of after-Christmas sales, and procrastination. Merry Christmas all, for today, the Word is born.Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07376739560852754189noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853325292145146616.post-60204920263790591252009-12-17T01:20:00.003-05:002009-12-17T01:40:58.602-05:00HonorOUR MOTHER APPEARED to our brethren in Egypt just a few short days ago. <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UXvNzDj5tAA">Link</a>. In the same week, an article was published about the harassment of women in Egypt. <a href="http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/ml_arabs_sexual_harassment">Link</a>. Where does one find the audacity to commit such horrid crimes? Our Mother pleads with us; there is only so much she can ward off the anger of our Father. Is it entitlement? Insecurity? Lack of faith? An assertion of power?<br /><br />Or maybe I am the exception. Treating a woman with respect; a gift bestowed upon us. Nothing is weaker than using force with a woman. A strong man knows patience, long-suffering, composure. Yeah, perverse men find sexual gratification in dominance, but the underlying cause of this is that exact perversion. It's not a perversion in the sense of mental handicap, but an emptiness. Let us all not lose sight of what is important and fill that void, lest we fall into similar hardships.Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07376739560852754189noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853325292145146616.post-59748955104323486332009-12-04T09:39:00.004-05:002009-12-04T09:44:56.817-05:00Fr Daniil Sysoyev - Martyred<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsNgyTLSasanf2jFOy-29cD_TwBwTYuMZ0GYUX29EQmG3KlvctcoJpUA7nlQjyreDg8NqQ595VCPkeCTO55tHhuLyzK5uaQ0u_MLiZKjpvw6VVnp44kwPsbgRMqM6GjeRHhJiScTtTMsg-/s400/daniil.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 369px; height: 221px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsNgyTLSasanf2jFOy-29cD_TwBwTYuMZ0GYUX29EQmG3KlvctcoJpUA7nlQjyreDg8NqQ595VCPkeCTO55tHhuLyzK5uaQ0u_MLiZKjpvw6VVnp44kwPsbgRMqM6GjeRHhJiScTtTMsg-/s400/daniil.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><span style="font-style: italic;"><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br /><br />This story is copied from here: <a href="http://southern-orthodoxy.blogspot.com/2009/12/fr-daniil-sysoyev-martyred.html">Click me</a></span></span></span><a href="http://southern-orthodoxy.blogspot.com/2009/12/fr-daniil-sysoyev-martyred.html"><br /></a><br /></span><blockquote><span style="font-style: italic;">From the </span><a style="font-style: italic;" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2009/11/20/world/europe/20moscow.html?_r=3">New York Times</a><span style="font-style: italic;">, November 19th - </span><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br /><br />MOSCOW —</span> The Rev. Daniil Sysoyev, a priest in the Russian Orthodox Church who was known for promoting missionary work among Muslims, was shot and killed in his parish church late Thursday night ...<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic;">From Archpriest Peter Perekrestov of Holy Virgin Cathedral, San Francisco:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:180%;"><span style="color: rgb(255, 0, 0);">O</span></span>n Thursday, November 19, 2009 35 year old Fr Daniel Sisoev, a very active and straightforward missionary priest in Moscow, was gunned down by a masked gunman inside the St. Thomas Church. <span style="font-weight: bold;">Below is a statement his wife issued</span>.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;">Fr. Peter is the priest at Holy Virgin Cathedral, where St. John Maximovitch relics' rest.</span></span></blockquote><span style="font-size:78%;"><span style="font-style: italic;"></span></span>Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07376739560852754189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853325292145146616.post-25487124304867211512009-12-04T09:16:00.004-05:002009-12-05T13:11:31.942-05:00The Good Fight<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://stphilopateer.com/images/St_Philopater.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 412px; height: 582px;" src="http://stphilopateer.com/images/St_Philopater.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>ON THIS DAY, we commemorate the martyrdom of St. Philopater Mercurius. Raised by converted Christian parents, he was given the name "Philopater" which means "Lover of the Father." When he reached adulthood, he joined the Roman army and quickly became known as a good swordsman and tactician in battle.<br /><br />The Roman army, led by Emperor Decius, was attacked by the Berbers. The Berbers were great in number and the Emperor was fearful. Mercurius assured him not to worry saying that God would bring them to victory. When he left the Emperor, an angel appeared to him in the figure of a human dressed in white. The angel gave him a sword saying, "When you overcome your enemies, remember the Lord your God." (That is why he is called, 'of the two swords,' <i>Abu-Saifain</i>; one is the military sword and the other is the sword of the Divine power.) When the battle was over and they conquered the Berbers, Mercurius was given the title 'Supreme Commander of all the Roman Armies' (in 250 A.D., at the age of 25). Mercurius was martyred that same year for refusing to worship idols saying "I do not worship anyone except my Lord and my God Jesus Christ." Mercurius became worthy of the crown of martyrs after being beheaded on December 4th 250AD.<br /><br />St. Mercurius has performed many miracles in the lives of Christians. His life shows us the power of faith in life's dealings, even the military. We pray for his intercessions in our own lives.Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07376739560852754189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853325292145146616.post-85107709303629052112009-11-14T00:38:00.005-05:002009-11-14T00:44:43.509-05:00<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://st-takla.org/Pix/Jesus-Christ-our-Lord-n-Savior/20-Jesus-on-the-Cross/www-St-Takla-org___Jesus-Crucifixion-08.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 405px; height: 270px;" src="http://st-takla.org/Pix/Jesus-Christ-our-Lord-n-Savior/20-Jesus-on-the-Cross/www-St-Takla-org___Jesus-Crucifixion-08.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>All that saw me mocked me: they spoke with <i>their</i> lips, they shook the head, <i>saying</i>, He hoped in the Lord: let him deliver him, let him save him, because he takes pleasure in him.Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07376739560852754189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853325292145146616.post-29052069410525660292009-11-07T10:33:00.007-05:002009-11-07T11:14:25.594-05:00Do Not Despair<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://mikecausey.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/despair-1893-1894-33145.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 210px; height: 269px;" src="http://mikecausey.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/despair-1893-1894-33145.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>LIFE IS A DRAG. Anyone who tells you otherwise, is lying to you. It isn't meant to be easy, an easy life would be boring; the goal is to not become discouraged for despair is simply a lack of hope. As His Holiness tells us: "The strong spirit does not worry, or get troubled, or fear, or break down, or hesitate. But the weak one imagines scary things and is troubled by them." The strong spirit is one who understands God's hand in our lives. The strong spirit is one who knows God.<br /><br />An example of a strong spirit is the widow in Zarepath in which Elijah visited. With only a small amount of food, Elijah asked her to make him food first, and give whatever is left to her family. She did just that and her small portion of flour became endless. The symbolism in our lives is obvious. Give first to God, and He will Bless your efforts. A strong spirit will rejoice in tribulation, because in overcoming it, God is glorified. For <span style="font-style: italic;">we are hard-pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair... </span>Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07376739560852754189noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853325292145146616.post-66400040509266560012009-10-14T22:58:00.006-04:002009-10-14T23:52:21.768-04:00Life, Liberty, and the Pursuit of God<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.paraorkut.com/img/pics/glitters/b/butterfly-8205.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 274px; height: 205px;" src="http://images.paraorkut.com/img/pics/glitters/b/butterfly-8205.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>I'VE ALWAYS LAUGHED at the idea of people not knowing what they want. I have known of this since a fairly young age. Sure, people want to be happy, but what is it that will make them happy? Henry Thoreau likened happiness to a butterfly saying "the more you chase it, the more it will elude you, but if you turn your attention to other things, it will come and sit softly on your shoulder." What Thoreau did not know is that he was almost two thousand years behind on this concept. Thoreau simply summed up our Lord's emphasis on <span style="font-style: italic;">whoever desires to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for My sake will find it.</span><br /><br />C.S. Lewis commenting on happiness said that "God cannot give us a happiness and peace apart from Himself, because it is not there. There is no such thing." God knows we are unable to be happy without Him, which is precisely why He emphasized <span style="font-style: italic;">seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you. </span><br /><br />It's simple really, and it is actually about patience. <span style="font-style: italic;">Gone for now, is a lot like gone for good. </span>It is our own stubborn and impatient ways that make us unhappy. Are we willing to accept delayed gratification? I mean that in both the micro and the macro sense. Would we rather accept a little happy now, or the better plan God has for us for when He deems us ready? Are we unwilling to sacrifice this temporal life for the sake of eternal paradise? The choice is obvious, but unfortunately it is a tough one.Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07376739560852754189noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853325292145146616.post-14487828409269018112009-10-04T13:20:00.003-04:002009-10-12T00:25:23.221-04:00The Greenhouse<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://newfarm.osu.edu/crops/images/greenhouse.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 300px; height: 375px;" src="http://newfarm.osu.edu/crops/images/greenhouse.jpg" alt="" border="0" /></a>AS A YOUTH, I had the most difficult time understanding that plants were alive. As a young adult, I now understand that not only are they alive, but they are very similar to us as human beings. Aside from the obvious biological similarities, which is such that plants need food, water, and air just as we humans do, I was reminded this week of an amazing analogy by His Grace Bishop Angelos. His Grace analogized our intimate relationships with a plant that is grown out of season. It is well understood that a plant cannot grow out of season, it will simply wither and die. But if a plant is out of season, it can safeguarded and sustained in a greenhouse until it is ready to grow and bear fruits.<br /><br />Plants are beautiful, but are very delicate. In the ignorance of my youth, I would wonder why people put so much time in effort into something so volatile, something that, on paper, held no constructive value (referring to plants of course). But I realized, that some things simply cannot be quantified. They just are. The reward is always worth the struggle. "There is a time and a place for everything" my mother would always say, but now the old adage doesn't only refer to me playing basketball to avoid homework.Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07376739560852754189noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853325292145146616.post-63295502171298120482009-09-15T13:02:00.005-04:002009-09-16T12:06:13.388-04:00Time<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs65HV7WNn8ZPFPQtdAK1SwMWyI0GbiQKaCsy3rXh7mMRS4-nBCsvjwmp7KVmX3S0WOhUCXc02PRt6IhgLwHCP338y8Jf21OvtQcLDCwiSZV3W9tMukHqeg5B0n2C9N2qtfPKiyPkE0eE/s1600-h/primary-merton.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 269px; height: 254px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhs65HV7WNn8ZPFPQtdAK1SwMWyI0GbiQKaCsy3rXh7mMRS4-nBCsvjwmp7KVmX3S0WOhUCXc02PRt6IhgLwHCP338y8Jf21OvtQcLDCwiSZV3W9tMukHqeg5B0n2C9N2qtfPKiyPkE0eE/s320/primary-merton.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5381740918168624130" border="0" /></a>IN AN INTERVIEW, Thomas Merton was once asked what he believed to be the leading spiritual disease of our time, and his response was efficiency. According to Merton, “from the monastery to the Pentagon the plant has to run…and there is little time or energy left over after that for anything else.” It is partly a sign of the times, but we are slowly depleting time for what is most important, and that is contemplation.<br /><br />One thing that is counteracting this idea of contemplation is achievement. I can almost imagine the argument against it, saying "imagine all that you could accomplish in your time spent doing nothing!" It stems from society's value of self-worth as opposed to who we are; such as our morals and integrity. Monetary worth has trumped moral values and this has affected the way we organize our lives.<br /><br />Don't get me wrong, it is important to apply yourself and excel in whatever it is you wish to do, but there must always be time for you. Don't give up what makes you the person you are. If you find peace and contemplation in reading, in running, in yoga, or even just sitting outdoors and enjoying God's creation, make that a priority along with your spiritual life. There is always time for what you make a priority.Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07376739560852754189noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853325292145146616.post-47566503855871646672009-09-08T18:17:00.003-04:002009-09-08T18:32:00.405-04:00The Late Fr. Rewis Magar<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5ZCX2CnqsYo5jTwk7h4OtKVBLzdN2LLAO57f_DucOg4DhC8ORaJR4H9XOB9FyYkgQ17LlY3b-6YxjzmPt0lFwu-URUrOEoZTGDDsZloL7g4_UkeOEOeV5YWW4gxg8RsnnQAmuj2RZno/s1600-h/amd_magar.jpg"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 296px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEim5ZCX2CnqsYo5jTwk7h4OtKVBLzdN2LLAO57f_DucOg4DhC8ORaJR4H9XOB9FyYkgQ17LlY3b-6YxjzmPt0lFwu-URUrOEoZTGDDsZloL7g4_UkeOEOeV5YWW4gxg8RsnnQAmuj2RZno/s320/amd_magar.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5379224763278406434" border="0" /></a><span style="font-style: italic;">Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. </span>Today marks the one year commemoration of the passing of the late Fr. Rewis Magar. He is survived by his wife and three kids. Abouna Rewis served the altar of St. George Coptic Church of Astoria, New York and is credited for establishing the congregation there. His services are innumerable and a little over two years ago, His Holiness Pope Shenouda III consecrated the church, quite a feat for a small congregation. We pray that God continues to Bless the congregation of St. George Church and grants comfort and healing to his family.Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07376739560852754189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853325292145146616.post-79200738610384022882009-08-16T18:33:00.003-04:002009-08-16T19:25:29.619-04:00Father James Coles<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://frjamescoles.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/mypicture1.jpg?w=500&h=375"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 403px; height: 302px;" src="http://frjamescoles.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/mypicture1.jpg?w=500&h=375" alt="" border="0" /></a>I AM BEHIND on my reading. There were many books and articles I wished to read over the summer and got to only a fraction of them. I was reminded of this when I looked at my bookmarks and saw the link for Father James Coles' blog. His blog is a must-read for those interested in Orthodoxy. Father Coles' series on the sources of Orthodox Tradition which he wrote in July 2009 (look it up!) is crucial knowledge for us Orthodox Christians. Enjoy!<br /><br /><a href="http://frjamescoles.wordpress.com/">Link!</a>Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07376739560852754189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853325292145146616.post-55780370505318563722009-07-22T13:31:00.005-04:002009-07-22T15:47:35.304-04:00The Relentless Enemy"WITH EVERY SPIRITUAL SUCCESS, the enemy gets agitated, and makes war, if not openly, he would do it secretly; and if not through strangers, he would do it through relatives, and even through the body itself, and sometimes through those who call themselves ministers in the Church..." I am blown away by the wisdom of Father <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Tadros</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Malaty</span> time after time. It is often asked why bad things happen to good people, or why demon possessions are not often seen in the West. The enemy focuses his targets on those who are spiritually succeeding when he becomes envious. In prosperous times, praise God. In tough times, praise God. Humility is our single best weapon against the enemy.<br /><br />A good friend of mine told a group of us a story about a priest with the ability to exorcise demons. He had known about a monk who was younger in age and far better at exorcising demons than the priest. When word was out about the priest's abilities, he was brought a bus full of demon possessed people. The priest, knowing about the monk, took this bus full of possessed people over to the monastery. The monk was startled when he saw this bus full of possessed people and got annoyed with the priest for bringing them. The priest began to feel bad for what he had done and prostrated in front of the monk pleading for his forgiveness. The monk then realizing he had made his elder priest feel bad and prostrated in front of the priest. The two of them repeated this a few times and before they knew it, the demons had fled the people in the bus in horror from the humility shown by the priest and the monk.<br /><br />In short, humility is the name of the game. Becoming arrogant and not continuing the struggle is a sure way to fail. Father <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">Tadros</span> <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Malaty</span> continues to say "That is why the Lord advises us that 'A man's foes will be those of his own household.'" What is meant by this is to be constantly on guard, for the enemy can come in all forms.Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07376739560852754189noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853325292145146616.post-84795640561955634292009-07-07T10:47:00.003-04:002009-07-07T11:20:50.952-04:00The Straight and NarrowA RIVER WITHOUT BANKS is not a river, it is a flood. The life of a Christian is no different, it is a wild, fast-paced run and is difficult to stay on course. Therefore, it is important for a Christian to set boundaries for oneself. The boundaries are our banks and are often put to the test. It is important that we remain on the straight and narrow. Again, this is done only by setting boundaries for oneself. It is important to be careful and not "just try" something once, or experiment if you will. It's a slippery slope (if I may add just one more cliche to this post) and before you know it, you will be wondering what happened; and getting back on track can prove to be quite difficult. It is a long and difficult struggle, but the reward is sweet.Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07376739560852754189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853325292145146616.post-62443780898281752902009-06-27T18:18:00.008-04:002009-06-27T19:01:33.723-04:00Monasticism in ChristianityI AM CURRENTLY READING <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mountain-Silence-Search-Orthodox-Spirituality/dp/0385500920/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1246141189&sr=8-1">a book about one man's search for Orthodox Spirituality</a>, and found this gem of a quote about monasticism:<div><br /></div><div><blockquote>"Shutting down the monasteries [Father <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_0">Maximos</span>] explained in regard to developments in the West after the Reformation, "was like snatching the heart out of Christianity." He meant that it was in monasteries that the religious experience was systematically cultivated, providing a living witness to the reality of God. By closing down monasteries, the West came to rely exclusively on the intellect in its quest for God. But the way to know God, Father <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_1">Maximos</span> would say repeatedly, is neither through philosophy nor through experimental science but through systematic methods of spiritual practice that could open us up to the Grace of the Holy Spirit. Only then can we have a taste of the Divine, a firsthand, experiential knowledge of the Creator. Otherwise, he continued, "we remain stuck on the level of mere beliefs and ideologies."*</blockquote></div><div><br /></div><div>This reminds me of an older post I made in which I recalled a Reverend Father explain that God dwells in our hearts, while Satan dwells in our mind. This couldn't be more true, for how many times does our Lord ask for our hearts? The heart, and yielding to it, and giving it in love is the true essence of Christianity. </div><div><br /></div><div>Monasticism is precisely this, a complete devotion to God. There is no demand for study (although most, if not all, are very well read in Scripture and other text), but a call for one's own heart. I liken this to the Internet. A person can research a website with photos of the gorgeous scenery nature has to offer, or the most stunning of artwork, but until you witness it, and stand in awe at it's beauty, you haven't come remotely close to experiencing the real thing. Until you completely experience the surrender to God and know what it's like to be at peace with God, you have not fully experienced what Christianity has to offer. Another example is (and we all know what I'm talking about) the armchair quarterbacks who claim to know everything about the game of football, and claim to be the next Joe Montana, but couldn't hurl a football more than ten yards. Talk is cheap, but experiencing the game and all the emotions engaged in playing the game is beyond comparison.</div><div><br /></div><div>I also understand that the West has seen a recent resurgence of monasticism. This is completely against its own tradition and is not as prominent or influential as Orthodox monasticism. Some from the Western Churches have accused the Orthodox Church of being antiquated and behind the times. By relying strictly on intellect for the quest for God, I stand here accusing the West of completely losing the essence of Christianity. And to be honest, I don't like change for the sake of change, I'd rather keep what works.</div><div><br /></div><div>_______________</div><div>* <i>The Mountain of Silence: A Search for Orthodox Spiritual</i><i><span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_2">ity</span></i> by <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_3">Kyriacos</span> C. <span class="blsp-spelling-error" id="SPELLING_ERROR_4">Markides</span></div>Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07376739560852754189noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853325292145146616.post-51538721296225969482009-06-07T21:11:00.003-04:002009-06-07T21:20:44.956-04:00EvangelizingI NEVER QUITE understood evangelism to its fullest extent. It actually dawned on me this morning in the shower after contemplating a recent turn of events that have unfolded in my life recently. I very rarely delve this far into my personal life, and it seems slightly ridiculous to do so on my blog, but I feel compelled to do it, so here goes:<div><br /></div><div>I was recently speaking with a friend of whom is dear to my heart. In her experience, she shared wisdom with me in regards to relationships. To paraphrase, some things are simply not to be compromised in relationships. What this means is, there are some things in which you care so much about, and a relationship (namely one involving the opposite sex) should not require you to sacrifice this. Well, in my life, there are a few things that I care that much about, and the first one that comes to mind is my Church, for this is the most important thing to me. </div><div><br /></div><div>Well, this is what I was pondering in the shower. How can I sacrifice the one thing I love most in life for a relationship? How can God Bless a relationship that requires you to further yourself from Him? I think it is bogus, it would never happen. This is where evangelism comes in. We aren't talking about salvation dating, that is stupid. We are talking about the beauty of having your spouse on your team. It is as if you love God so much, you want nothing more than for someone else you love to be experiencing the same bliss. It simply doesn't work any other way, for how can someone who loves God sacrifice what is most important for someone else? Unfortunately, you cannot expect a person to eventually become faithful. It is beautiful when it happens, but it is few and far between.</div><div><br /></div><div>The same goes for the complete stranger that needs Christ. I think of it as experiencing a new food or a new song, and turning to a friend saying "you HAVE to try this, it is phenomenal." There is a certain joy in sharing something you enjoy with a friend. There is more to it than a self-less giving, it is an almost selfish (selfish in the sense that is done for your own gratification, yet out love for the other) giving of oneself. Salvation, I always thought, was simply to guide a person to a life with Christ so they may see Christ in Heaven. There is more to it than that. It is loving your neighbor to the extent that you want to see them as joyful as you. It is wanting them to taste Christ and believe. That is why loving your neighbor is insufficient without bringing them closer to the Church.</div>Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07376739560852754189noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853325292145146616.post-66568067166673510492009-05-30T21:32:00.002-04:002009-05-30T21:45:01.748-04:00What's the 411?DOES IT SCARE you that we will be judged based on every idle word we speak? It should. I am guilty of this more than anyone but a friend has given me help to concur this. Next time you find yourself curious for the 411, remember 1 Thessalonians 4:11 which says (and I begin the quote including part of verse 10): "But we urge you, brethren, that you increase more and more; that you also aspire to lead a quite life, to mind your business, and to work with your hands, as we commanded you..." Remember that it is commanded to watch your words carefully and begin with me a trek to end idle talk. Again, we will be held accountable for every idle word we speak, so choose wisely!Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07376739560852754189noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853325292145146616.post-72897315434352812052009-05-25T16:29:00.003-04:002009-05-25T17:10:50.038-04:00Put on the New ManI VERY RARELY feel discouraged. As a man of faith, what is there to possibly be discouraged about? Lately this has been the case though. I wouldn't so much call it discouragement so much as disappointment, but you get the idea. What got me back in line was words of wisdom from friends and an unlikely Bible study on a trampoline (seriously!) which reminded me exactly what it is that comforts, and that is prayer. I like to give prayer, reading the Bible, and any time spent focused on God the blanket term of meditation. As my priest reminded me two weeks ago, we should be dedicating at least 30 minutes daily to God. Sound like too much time? Well, it equates to only about 2% of our day.<div><br /></div><div>Don't be discouraged, for in Christ all things are made new. No one is worthy, is it worth arguing over who is less unworthy? It isn't, and "therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new." This is our encouragement, we have no reason to look back, but only to look forward. What upset me was that I spent years and years building a relationship with God, only to feel like a stranger in His own house. All we needed was a good talk, and we are good again.</div>Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07376739560852754189noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4853325292145146616.post-10899917552759264772009-05-20T00:39:00.001-04:002009-05-20T00:39:46.242-04:00Morning Praises<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'Charis SIL'; ">Awake up, my glory; awake, psaltery and harp: I myself will awake early.</span>Jakehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07376739560852754189noreply@blogger.com0