In this talk Fr. Stephen continues with the imagery of the One-Storey Universe, but uses it to challenge our sense of finitude and scarcity and instead boldly proclaims that the risen Christ has raised us to a kingdom where we are not bound by limits, but by the endless abundance of His love.

Fr. Stephen Freeman looks at the notion of "allegory" as it is used in the New Testament and in the Orthodox worldview. He also considers the true nature of "literalism" and how we should understand it.

Fr. Stephen Freeman speaks on icons as doors that open onto other rooms. He also speaks about how we view evil in this understanding of God's world.

Ever wonder what the phrase, “the Divine Energies,” means? Fr. Stephen looks at its inner depths and its constant place in our lives. Give thanks to the Lord for He is good! His mercy endures forever!

Fr. Stephen Freeman looks at our transformation into the image of Christ and the forgiveness of our sins in terms of concrete reality - thinking through the work that God is doing in us.

Fr. Stephen Freeman looks at the mystery of love and freedom, and the limits God places on Himself as He raises us, by love, to be His “equals."

Fr. Stephen Freeman looks at the “allegorical” or “symbolic” reading of Scripture - and its importance for our daily life.

The Samsung Galaxy A35 isn't perfect, but with a two-day battery life and a vibrant OLED display, it's hard to deny its value -- especially at its new Black Friday price.

Strapsicle's silicone straps secure my Kindle Paperwhite and give me the perfect grip for comfortable reading.

If you need to add encryption or digital signing to the Thunderbird email app (or other supporting apps) on Android, there's one clear and easy route to success.

The post Strategies to Maintain Blogging Momentum Through Life’s Ups and Downs appeared first on ProBlogger.

This week at ProBlogger, we’re diving deep into a topic close to every blogger’s heart: how to keep the momentum going, no matter what life throws your way. Whether you’re just starting out or you’re a seasoned pro, maintaining your blog’s momentum is key to its success. Last week, we ...more

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The post 5 Ways I Use Habits to Stay Creative and Productive When Working From Home appeared first on ProBlogger.

Folks, you’ll know today’s guest contributor author Gretchen Rubin from her bestselling books on happiness, habits, and human nature, her inspiring talks, and her popular daily blog GretchenRubin.com. Gretchen also shares practical, manageable advice on her podcast Happier With Gretchen Rubin. We are thrilled to have Gretchen on ProBlogger today, giving us ...more

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In the first episode of a five-part Lenten series on despondency, we learn what despondency is (and what it isn't), and how it relates to our experience of time. Ultimately, despondency is a means of escaping the present moment we find ourselves in.

The present moment is a gift from God. But too often, we flee from this "gift of the now" through our mental ideations of the past and future. Today, we're calling that movement despondency and exploring the physical, emotional and spiritual paths by which we escape from the present.

Today we talk about various antidotes to the passion of despondency, which all have the effect of bringing us back to the present moment of heart.

Today we continue our discussion of how to regain God's gift of the present moment. We'll touch on humor, scripture recitation, and prayer.

In this final segment of our lenten series on Time and Despondency, we explore the substance of the present moment—the Holy Resurrection. Thoughts on how to re-present ourselves and our world this Pascha and beyond.

Continuing our Year in Time series, today we talk about the various ways the liturgical calendar helps us be present to God through liturgical memory.

About a year ago on this podcast, I started a five-part Lenten mini-series called Time and Despondency. I'm happy to announce that I've turned this series into a book to be published by Ancient Faith sometime in Fall 2017. As I finish up the manuscript, I reflect on the intersection between time and despondency. Interested in listening to the original series? Check out Part I (of 5) from last year.

Nicole looks back on the biggest thing she took away from the 2017 Ancient Faith Conference, and discusses some changes that will hit the Time Eternal podcast in the fall. Have a blessed summer!

This episode is a behind-the-scenes look at what's happening around here at Time Eternal: the relaunch, a giveaway, recording in the dark (aka laziness), and a whole minute of me mispronouncing the word "Akathist." Happy summer!

My friend Kerry was born in a conservative Mennonite community in rural Manitoba. As she grew up, that community gradually assimilated into the wider culture. But looking back, she says that the temporal rhythms and cycles she still held to during her youth provided a "secure sense of reality." In this episode of Time Eternal, we talk about her experience growing up Mennonite, her life today living in the largest city in Canada, and what she misses about the sense of time she experienced as a child. Make sure to check out the shownotes for quotes, links, and information about this episode, not to mention a photo of me and Kerry the night we recorded this episode!

Does the new year bring up feelings of shame and apathy? Do all those perky new year's resolutions people annoy you? Or are you frustrated by your failed attempts to do better this time around? In this brand-new season of Time Eternal, we talk about the connection between shame and despondency, particularly as it relates to the new (civil) year. Plus, Nicole announces the launch of her book, Time and Despondency, on January 15. Last but not least: Time Eternal just turned two! With that, we're moving to a two-season per year format (hear more about that in the episode). This episode marks Episode 1 of Season 5!

This Lent, I'm walking through my book, Time and Despondency, in tandem with the free Lenten study guide available through Ancient Faith Publishing. In weeks one and two, we're talking about finding God at the grocery store, conquering the protagonist syndrome, and learning to inhabit life without the defense mechanisms of pride and impatience . You can follow along with the book and the free study guide here: http://store.ancientfaith.com/time-and-despondency/ This episode contains the Prayer of St. Ephrem as well as the following music: Kai Engel: "Idea," "Irsen's Tale," and "Remedy for Melancholy" Podington Bear: "Across the River" Chris Zabriskie: "Prelude 10"

Nicole reflects on recent #TemporalTuesdays posts that revolve around the liturgical mystery of the first day of creation. Help me produce better Time Eternal content for the upcoming Church year by taking this free and anonymous survey. The intro and outro of Time Eternal are Kai Engel’s “Idea,” and “Remedy for Melancholy,” respectively. His songs “Aspirato” and “Mist and Clouds” are also used in this episode. http://freemusicarchive.org/music/Kai_Engel/

Nicole reflects on an interview she watched this week between comedian Stephen Colbert and journalist Anderson Cooper, in particular, the divergent ways grief affected their sense of time. (Watch the interview here. The intro and outro of this episode is "Idea" and "Remedy for Melancholy" by Kai Engel.

Time Eternal is back from the abyss! Nicole talks about three ways the pandemic altered her sense of time and how she is trying to re-engage in the sacredness of time. How did the pandemic shift your experience of time for better or worse? Join the conversation on Instagram or Twitter. The intro and outro of this podcast are the songs "Idea" and "Remedy for Melancholy" by Kai Engel, available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license.

In which Nicole checks in with Orthodox-Twitter’s Favorite Protestant™ Traci Rhoades on the topic of “anniversary reaction.” Connect with Nicole on Instagram or Twitter (@NicoleRoccas). Mentioned in this episode: ● TIME ETERNAL BOOK CLUB - August 12, 2021 - Register on Eventbrite: https://bit.ly/2UMvP5r ● Find Traci Rhoades online: ○ Twitter: @tracesoffaith ○ Instagram: @tracesoffaithblog ○ Facebook: @tracesoffaithblog ● Traci’s article on anniversary reaction: The Intersection of Peter’s Passion with the Passion of The Christ” (Medishare, 2021, https://www.medishare.com/blog/the-intersection-of-peters-passion-with-the-passion-of-the-christ) ● Ellen Hendriksen, “5 Ways to Deal With Anniversary Reactions,” (Psychology Today, 2016, https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/how-be-yourself/201609/5-ways-deal-anniversary-reactions) ● Nicole Roccas, “The Love of God and the Calendar of Shame” (Time Eternal Blog, 2016, https://blogs.ancientfaith.com/timeeternal/love-god-calendar-shame/) ● "Every Moment Holy: New Liturgies for Daily Life," www.everymomentholy.com, including A Liturgy for the Anniversary of a Loss, https://static1.squarespace.com/static/59764bcb725e2575438613ad/t/603d4da4b9906c6d9e7501b6/1614630309096/Anniversary+of+a+Loss.pdf The intro and outro of this podcast are the songs "Idea" and "Remedy for Melancholy" by Kai Engel, available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license. News Theme 2 by Audionautix is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 license. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Artist: http://audionautix.com/

In which Nicole shares what she learned at the recent Whole Good News Conference and the talk she gave there. Also a lesson in time about praying while sick. Mentioned in this episode: The Whole Good News Conference hosted by MissioAlliance (https://www.missioalliance.org/twgn) The Life of Moses by Gregory of Nyssa The Emotionally Healthy Woman by Lisa Scazzero Irresistible: the Rise of Addictive Technology and the Business of Keeping Us Hooked by Adam Alter The Ruthless Elimination of Hurry by John Mark Comer The intro and outro of this podcast are the songs "Idea" and "Remedy for Melancholy" by Kai Engel, available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license.

In which I catch up with my former professor, Dr. Ethan Katz, a Sabbath-observant Jew and historian. I first met Dr. Katz while finishing my doctorate in the University of Cincinnati History Department, and he now teaches at the University of California Berkeley, where he specializes in modern Jewish history and the history of modern France and its empire. We reflect not only about our experiences as people of faith in academic and other secular contexts, but also what observing the Sabbath looks like in the unique contours of his life. Learn more about Dr. Ethan Katz: history.berkeley.edu/ethan-katz Also mentioned in this episode: The Enacting the Kingdom Livestream: youtube.com/watch?v=gNrMS-hFrvk&t;=1094s Nicole's appearance on the Prying Priest podcast: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/dr-nicole-roccas/id1527008418?i=1000536712952 Don't forget to rate and review this podcast! Connect with Nicole on Instagram or Twitter (@NicoleRoccas). The outro of this podcast is the song "Remedy for Melancholy" by Kai Engel, available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license.

Some thoughts on how liturgy holds space for those of us carrying trauma. This episode is an excerpt from a webinar talk I gave in December 2021 entitled “Remembering All Things: Holding Space for Trauma in Liturgy and Life,” hosted online by Ancient Faith Ministries. LIVESTREAM EPISODE: Next week’s episode will feature listener questions and air first as a livestream on Wed Jan 5, 2022, 2:30-3:30 Eastern on Nicole’s Instagram page: @nicoleroccas (https://www.instagram.com/nicoleroccas/). To join in realtime, follow her on Instagram and open the app at the correct time. SEND QUESTIONS: If you can’t join in realtime, send your questions to Nicole via email (timeeternal@ancientfaith.com) or as private message on Instagram (@nicoleroccas), Twitter (@nicoleroccas), or Facebook (@Nicole M. Roccas). The outro of this podcast is the song "Remedy for Melancholy" by Kai Engel, available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license.

How the story of Zacchaeus reveals the hidden blessing of smallness in Christ. Learn more about Nicole’s trauma-informed coaching services (nicoleroccas.com/coaching). Connect with Nicole on Instagram or Twitter (@NicoleRoccas). Mentioned in this episode: Luke 19:1-10 “The Desire: The Sunday of Zacchaeus” in Fr. Alexander Schmemann, Great Lent (SVS Press, pp. 17-18) Zacchaeus Sunday: oca.org/saints/lives/2020/02/02/1-sunday-of-zacchaeus The intro and outro of this podcast are the songs "Idea" and "Remedy for Melancholy" by Kai Engel, available under a CC BY-NC 4.0 license.

Are you living the personal calling given to you by your Father and Creator? Is your Parish thriving with successful ministries and stewardship and serving as a beacon of making disciples? If you are looking for a "good account at the awesome judgment seat of Christ" listen to this 2nd episode of Stewardship Calling with Bill Marianes.

Bill lays out the principles for proper stewardship in the parish and the need for a strategic plan. He also welcomes guest David Batrich, President of Chicago Synergy and head of stewardship for the Serbian Orthodox Church.

Bill presents his Effective Church model and celebrates the new strategic plan developed for the national Ukrainian Orthodox Church of the USA this past week at their SOBOR. In addition to Fr. Barnabas Powell he is joined in the last part of the show by Dr. Gayle Woloschak who chaired the strategic plan committee for the UOCUSA.

Following up on the April 30 episode, Bill continues to explore ways to encourage our youth and emerging adults to be faithful to the Church.In the last segment, he is joined by Steven Christoforou for some very practical insight.

Almost every news cycle is dominated with stories of both leaders and ordinary people who lost their way. Bill Marianes is joined by special guests Steven Laduzinsky, Chris Mandaleris, and Fr. Barnabas Powell, to explore Trust and ITA from the legal, financial, accounting and spiritual perspectives.

What kind of church and facilities would you have built if money were no object and you were committed to addressing all of your community’s needs? Now what did you actually build? The difference between your dreams and your reality could, among other things, be a measure of the effectiveness (or ineffectiveness) of your capital campaign and overall leadership program. Anthony Scott joins Bill Marianes to talk about Capital Campaigns and how to run them.

If our youth and emerging adults do not understand and practice true Christian stewardship, we have sealed the regrettable fate of many of our churches. And yet, we have a relative dearth of resources or information available to teach true Christian stewardship to this most critical group of parishioners/stakeholders.Bill Marianes talks with Y2AM Director Steve Christoforou.

Bill and noted servant leadership and change management expert Dr. Mitch Owen explore the critical dimensions of Orthodox servant leaders and how to effectively bring about change in our churches and institutions.

Bill's special guest is none other than his daughter Dr. Alexis Marianes. Dr. Alexis Marianes received a PhD from The Johns Hopkins University in molecular biology working on stem cells. Her Bachelors of Science in Marine Biology was from the College of Charleston and she completed Post Doctorate studies at The Medical University of South Carolina focusing on alligator embryology. Dr. Marianes has taught at The Johns Hopkins University, the College of Charleston, and the University of West Indies. She is completing work as a part of the Sustainable Innovations Initiative NGO in Trinidad performing pioneering research for a variety of other universities, governments, businesses and NGOs regarding a wide variety of creatures, species and natural biological habitats and phenomena, including a project featured on the Discovery Channel regarding the Ocelots of Trinidad. Dr. Marianes is soon headed to the Brazilian Atlantic Forest for additional studies regarding a wide variety of species and habitats of God’s creation.

Bill welcomes Jerry Minetos to the show! Jerry’s experience in the field of fund raising and church development has included lead roles in managing capital campaigns, and conducting feasibility studies for over 20 years, throughout the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America. He has brought leading-edge business development and technology skills into the Orthodox Church environment. He is currently the Development Director with Ancient Faith Ministries!

Bill's special guest was the always inspirational Fr. Luke Veronis, Proistamenos of Saints Constantine and Helen Greek Orthodox Church in Webster, MA. This visionary leader, and his dynamic parish, accepted the Stewardship Calling Good and Faithful Servant Challenge as they celebrated their 100th anniversary.

Bill Marianes welcomes Jim Huling, the primary author who wrote the #1 best-selling 4 Disciplines of Execution (4DX), that best defines how to truly get things done more effectively and impactfully in any kind of organization. He shares with us these proven critical techniques. 4DX can even revolutionize the way you think about church strategic planning.

Join Greek Orthodox Archdiocese Archbishop Elpidophoros, Orthodox Church in America Chancellor Very Reverend Dr. Alexander Rentel, Antiochian Orthodox Church Archdiocese Chancellor Very Reverend Thomas Zain, and Bill Marianes for a very special HAGIA SOPHIA Stewardship Calling Ancient Faith Radio program. The discussion centers on the decision in Turkey to turn the historic cathedral into a mosque. For many more resources on this subject including specific things YOU can do visit the Stewardship Calling website.

Part 3: The Journey Through Death To The Resurrection – Fr. George L. Livanos

Part 1: The Journey Through Life In Search Of Calling – Fr. George L. Livanos

Part 2: The Moment After – The Clarity of Vision From The Partner’s Perspective – Presvytera Dianthe Livanos

Part 4: The Brother's Perspective - Fr. John Touloumes and Dr. Nicholas Loutsion

“Go and make Disciples” was our Lord’s clear instruction, an at the end of His parable where the Good Samaritan helped an injured Jewish stranger, He advised us to “Go and do likewise” and help our brothers and sisters in need. So how can we do that critical work in our lives and our communities? We will explore practical ideas you and your Parish can implement to answer this critical question with Fr. John Kocolas, the Proistamenos at Nativity of Christ Orthodox Church in Novato, California. Nativity of Christ’s Community Outreach Ministry does so much to help so many. Join us for a discussion of creative ways you and your Parish can “go and do likewise.” Call in to share ways you and your parish make disciples and serve others.