Be mindful of your medication

I am taking pain killers and muscle relaxers for a recent back injury. I find that it opens my mind up to thoughts of lust, anger and meloncoly. My back may feel better, but I feel farther away from God for it. I regret that I did not use this week to become closer to my fellow man and God, but instead spent too much time in the concerns of this world.

Bless Fr. John for handing me The Monk of Mount Athos concerning Saint Silouan's life on Mount Athos. Teachings on Freedom (p 65) "He used few words in his prayer to the omniscient God and did not amplify his thought. 'Men seek their own freedom,' that is to say, freedom outside God, ouside true life, in 'outer darkness', where there is and can be no freedom, for freedom can only exist where ther is no death, where there is authentic eternal existence - that is, in God"

Mar Saba

I have had the misfortune of living well into my adult years without knowing the Orthodox Church and the relationship with Christ, Virgin Marry, and the Saints that is to be found there. I do have the fortune of having an uncle that introduced me to the Church (who is an avid blogger http://notesfromacommonplacebook.blogspot.com/ ) and agreed to let me tag along on his trip to the Middle East. If you had asked me who or what is associated with Mar Saba in May of 2008, you would have received a blank stare. I would encourage anyone to read this short description of one of the most blessed places on earth to me. http://www.biblewalks.com/sites/MarSaba.html

My mantra is whenever possible be brief! I simply want to say that when I walked into the main hall I was touched and humbled by God. How blessed are these monks to live a simple life in worship of our Lord. Seeing those that give so much, makes my effort seem as nothing at all.