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Concise and excellent

Revisado: 06-20-21

“When you Fast” by L. Joseph Letendre is a concise and an excellent introduction to fasting. The book is divided into two chapters; the first explores the “why” we fast, and the second explains the “how.” The short chapters are a quick listen between 8-10 minutes each, but with profound points to ponder and explore. Fasting is not just about food, but about discipline, denying oneself the small pleasures, talking less, limiting screen time and controlling the thoughts, to give room for the spirit to grow. Whether you are new to Orthodoxy or born into it, this is an excellent book to pick up learn about the Orthodox practice of fasting and to practice the discipline of fasting under the guidance of a spiritual father.

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A Great Read. A Profound Lesson

Revisado: 01-28-21 El oyente recibió este título gratis

Disclaimer! Don’t listen to this book while driving, crying can make driving hazardous!! 😊
I absolutely loved this story. Although it a story meant for 10-14 years old, I was hooked. I was moved to tears seeing Marco’s struggle with guilt and fear, as well as his joy and peace when finding forgiveness and acceptance. Marco a fictional 11 year old struggles with feelings of guilt, anger, and fear of rejection from God and his family. He must face all this when he is separated from his family during a siege and is traveling with some monks seeking his family and refuge. He waivers between the desire to be reunited and fear of being rejected. The monks who travel along with him set an example for Marco, we see their fears and struggles as humans yet their trust in their Loving Father who guides and protects His children. I loved how the author tied the finding the mysterious icon of St Phanourios.
The monks tell Marco at one point
“Your storm is great,
But our God is greater”
Is a much needed reminder for young and old, we need to lean on God’s strength when our strength fails us.
I highly recommend this profound story for all readers.

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A deep read into the orthodox spirituality

Revisado: 05-08-20 El oyente recibió este título gratis

Bread and Water, Wine and Oil by Archimandrite Meletios Webber is a wonderful and deep read into the spirituality of the Orthodox Church. The book covers numerous important points including; how to have a relationship with God, fasting, praying, icons, and the church sacraments. It is addressed to both orthodox and non orthodox. It serves as a well rounded and deep introduction into the Orthodox Church. It also benefits the orthodox worshiper to understand more about the church and how to truly benefit while practicing the church sacrament and canons.
I listened to the audio version of the book which was really good, however being more of a visual learner rather than an auditory learner, I will definitely get the hard copy of the book. It is a valuable reference to have available.

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Perfect book for daily meditation

Revisado: 12-25-19 El oyente recibió este título gratis

Prayers by the Lake by Bishop Nikolai Velimirovich is a collection of 100 insightful prayers that can be used as daily meditations. The topics covers a wide range from offering repentance to praising God and the daily struggles in between. While the audio version of the book was great and made for a great listening in the car or on the go sometimes I wished for the written version so I can highlight my favorite parts,and there were many. I just wish that instead of just numbers, the prayers were labeled to make it easy to go back to a specific prayer and use it in time of need. The prayers are so deep and profound so similar to the psalms of David, they make a good addition to your daily readings.

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Great book, wonderful narration

Revisado: 11-22-19

Tending the Gardens of our Hearts: Daily Lenten Meditations for Families, by Elissa Bjeletich and Kristina Wenger is a simple yet profound devotional for Orthodox families, guiding them through spiritual growth during Great Lent.
The book is didvided into 7 chapters, corresponding with the weeks of Lent and Holy Pacsha Week. Each day reading is narrated in 25-30 minutes which makes for a short yet a deep devotional time for families.
A variety of biblical reading, saint stories or church father commentaries all build and emphasize the theme of the week; Orthodoxy, Prayers, The ladder/Almsgiving, among others direct our thoughts and prayers during lent to the important things in life, to raise our hearts to God and grow in our spiritual life.
While the narrative is simple enough for the little ones to understand and follow, it is still profound enough for adults to reflect upon the lessons provided and learn and grow as well.
If you get busy and miss a day, it’s ok to skip that lesson and move to the next one. Life is too busy and you can’t slow down, listen to the daily devotional during your morning car ride and talk with your children about the lesson they just heard and how can they practice it during their day at school.
One final thought, don’t skip the crafts and activities section but try some with your school age children.

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