From Snoop Lion to Saint Nonna: A Look at Spiritual Transformations
Have you heard about Snoop Dogg’s spiritual experience and resulting name change? The story goes that he went to Jamaica, studied reggae and Rastafarianism, and was told by a Rastafarian priest, “You are the light. You are the lion.” Must be a pretty tame lion, because Mr. Snoop appears to want to spread peace, harmony, [...]
30 Days
I’m trying something. Actually several somethings. For 30 days. It started when I got Jillian Michael’s 30-Day Shred DVD in attempt to exercise more without having to go to a gym. I started thinking: there are other things in my life I want to make habitual. That I’m far too un-intentional about. And since it’s [...]
Poetry Friday: On Prayer
I was thinking about Lent a few days ago and wondering what spiritual book I might read this Lent, when a thought hit me: I don’t want you to read something. I want you to pray. Whether that thought came from me or God, I don’t know. But I couldn’t shake it off. My mind [...]
Lenten Reflections: Icons
Today is the first day of my Lenten Reflections series, which will occur every Sunday until Orthodox Pascha (Easter) on April 15. I have a few guest bloggers lined up (still have some spots open!) but no one was ready yet, so today I’m going to share a few quotes regarding icons in the [...]
Preparing to Prepare
Ash Wednesday has come and gone, but Eastern Orthodox Lent doesn’t begin until Monday. Well, technically this evening. Orthodox Christians don’t begin the Lenten season in a penitent, ashes-on-your-forehead manner. The first day of Lent is called Clean Monday, and in fact that first week is called Clean Week. We open ourselves to the brightness [...]
Remembering Mary
And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, for he has been mindful of the humble state of his servant. From now on all generations will call me blessed, for the Mighty One has done great things for me— holy is his name. His mercy extends to [...]
Believing in God After 9/11
When humans witness things that hurt, they often struggle with believing in a God who loves mankind. “If God exists, why is there suffering in the world?” Haven’t you heard that before? Theodicy, or the work of believing God is who He says He is even in the face of our pain, has plagued Christians [...]
Doing the Dishes: A Life Lesson
I actually washed some dishes tonight. Like, two pots. It was pretty amazing. I’m one of those people who stuffs as many dishes in the dishwasher as possible, and if there are any dishes left, they sit in the sink until the next time the dishwasher is run. Call me lazy, call me spoiled, call [...]
Is the Man Still the Head of the Household?
In this day and age, I’m not sure. I’ve always though that Steven and I had a pretty equal partnership. I will say I am probably the manager of the household – in terms of physical or organizational aspects – making sure groceries get bought, everybody gets out of bed in the morning, lunches get [...]
Memory Eternal
Okay, so Part 2 of Traditional vs Transformative teaching is still coming, but today I need to blog about something else. Today I found out that a friend, the husband of my poet friend from Murray State, died suddenly. Harvey Parker was 45 years old. He was a husband, father of two, artist, and art [...]
