What God is Not

This week Fr. Michael talks about the deception of Adam and Eve by the devil in Genesis 3. He talks about the ways we can be deceived and how sin blinds us to the deception happening.References:The Screwtape Letters by C.S. LewisPerelandra by C.S. LewisFollow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryOur WebsiteOur NonprofitSend us Fan MailSupport the show

This week Mother Natalia shares a recent prayer experience she had while using Parts Work. She talks about her surprise in encountering many parts that were impacted by something going on in her life. She shares her experience talking to them with Jesus, watching Jesus talk to them, and having Jesus watch her talk to them. She talks about the healing she received from this prayer experience.References:Litanies of the Heart by Dr. Gerry CreteFollow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryOur WebsiteOur NonprofitSend us Fan MailSupport the show

How to quiet the mind through chanting and long prayer to notice a still, guiding voice. A blindfold hike story illustrates distinguishing helpful guidance from distracting voices. Practical habits are shared: daily prayer, scripture, watchful readiness, and caring for others as ways to become attuned to God's promptings.

This week we're joined by special guest, Maddie! Maddie is currently a dokimos at the monastery. Maddie talks about C.S. Lewis' book, Till We Have Faces, and how it was so impactful to her in the her time of discernment. She shares themes of the book and how we can see these in our day to day life.References:Till We Have Faces by C.S. LewisDr. Peter Kreeft's Lecture on Till We Have Faces Part 1 and Part 2Hundredfold by Sister AgnesFollow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryOur WebsiteOur NonprofitSend a textSupport the show

This week Mother Natalia has a few short topics. First she talks about making her smart phone less smart to help her grow in virtue. Then she talks about spiritual motherhood in response to an email from a listener. Finally, she gives a quick overview of a talk she's giving.References:Friendship in the Lord by Fr. Paul HinnebuschFollow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryOur WebsiteOur NonprofitSend a textSupport the show

This week Fr. Michael recounts his recent visit to Thailand. He talks about the people he encountered, especially Fr. Raymond. He shares how Fr. Raymond interacts with his parishioners who span a wide geography.Follow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryOur WebsiteOur NonprofitSend a textSupport the show

This week Mother Natalia shows us how criticism is contagious. She gives a few examples in her life and talks about how she's noticed this in herself and others. She talks about how our interactions with people give them a hint of who we are when we aren't with them, and the way we might build them up or tear them down to others.References:Setting the Table by Danny MeyerFollow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryOur WebsiteOur NonprofitSend a textSupport the show

This week Fr. Michael talks about ways the devil may have attacked Adam and Eve's memory, putting shame into memories where there was no shame before. He  talks about ways that shame can prevent a full relationship with God.References:Descent into Light PodcastFollow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryOur WebsiteOur NonprofitSend a textSupport the show

This week Mother Natalia shares a recent conviction she had about being silent during periods of silence. She uses that to give suggestions on what we can do for the Great Fast, moderate things instead of grand gestures.References:The Philokalia, Volume 2Great Lent: Journey to Pascha by Alexander SchmemannFollow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryOur WebsiteOur NonprofitSend a textSupport the show

This week Fr. Michael reflects on tradition vs canon, inspired by his recent Christmas tree decorating. (Yes, this was recorded a few weeks back!) He talks about ways to identify tradition vs canon in our individual life, our family life, and our parish life. He talks about the importance of setting norms, even for adults, but also being able to identify when flexibility is needed. Fr. Michael also talks about setting aside work for the sake of rest.References:The Great Divorce by C.S. LewisFollow and Contact Us!Follow us on Instagram and FacebookWe're on YouTube!Join our Goodreads GroupFr. Michael's TwitterChrist the Bridegroom MonasteryOur WebsiteOur NonprofitSend a textSupport the show