Showing results for "LETTERS" in Spirituality

In the form of warm, relaxed letters to a close friend, C. S. Lewis meditates on many puzzling questions concerning the intimate dialogue between man and God. He considers practical and metaphysical aspects of prayer, such as when we pray and where. He questions why we seek to inform God in our prayers if he is omniscient, whether there is an ideal form of prayer, and which of our many selves we show to God while praying.

Tap into the cosmic nature of your soul, discover your purpose and commit to being here on Earth with author of The Starseed Oracle, Rebecca Campbell. Letters to a Starseed asks the biggest questions that mystics and philosophers through the ages have been asking: What is the soul, where did it...

At once spiritual and practical, Letters to My Son has been beloved by listeners from all walks of life, including single mothers seeking guidance in raising a son, fathers looking to share a voice of clarity about life's most important issues, and young men wanting an intelligent, sensitive, and streetwise companion on the journey toward a worthy manhood. In this 20th anniversary edition, Kent Nerburn adds to his classic reflections.

What if you are afraid to be free? You feel pulled to the unknown, yet taking that first step into what appears to be darkness, keeps your feet planted firmly in what is known. What is it that calls to you from uncharted territory? Who is it? In a rush to what is familiar, you become attached yet again, to another thread. Each thread represents one year, a belief, an identity, a persona, trauma, and successes. Imagine...every concept you thought to be true, begins to erase itself. Where would that leave you?

Dive into St. Jeromes most renowned letter, Libellus de virginitate servanda, addressed to St. Eustochium, the young daughter of St. Paula. In this compelling correspondence, St. Jerome passionately encourages Eustochium to embrace the path of virginity while imparting essential lessons on the conduct of a virtuous young woman. Within its pages, you will find his reflections on topics such as the irreversible nature of a fallen virgin (§5), a striking portrayal of fasting and temptation (§7), his unyielding stance on abortion as murder (§13), and the notion of holy pride in virginity (§16)...

The letters of John Knox provide a unique glimpse into his character and temperament, often more revealing than his formal writings. To fully appreciate the rich allusions within, one must consider his domestic life during his time in England. While residing in Berwick, Knox developed a close relationship with Mrs. Bowes, and a deep bond blossomed with her daughter, Marjory, with the mother’s enthusiastic approval for their union. However, this match faced fierce opposition from Marjorys relatives, particularly Sir Thomas Bowes, a notable diplomat who believed that an alliance with an ...

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER At the pinnacle of a soaring career in the U.S. Army, Lt. Col. Mark M. Weber was tapped to serve in a high-profile job within the Afghan Parliament as a military advisor. Weeks later, a routine physical revealed stage IV intestinal cancer in the thirty-eight-year-old...

In On the Spirit and the Letter, St. Augustine responds to Tribune Marcellinus, who expressed surprise at the claim that man could live sinlessly with divine assistance. Marcellinus questioned how something could be deemed possible if there are no examples to prove it. Augustine passionately defends the concept of grace, illustrating that while the law is good and holy, it alone cannot save us; it often amplifies our guilt when we know our duties but lack the ability to fulfill them. He emphasizes the necessity of the Spirit’s support, which fills our hearts with grace, enabling us to love ...

Delve into the profound insights of Pope Pius IX, the longest-reigning pontiff since St. Peter, who authored over forty Encyclicals during his remarkable thirty-two-year papacy (1846-1878). This collection features twenty-six of his pivotal letters, offering a unique glimpse into the thoughts and teachings of a transformative era in the Church. (Summary by M.S.C. Lambert, LC)

Discover a remarkable collection of 10 out of the 12 Encyclicals penned by Pope Benedict XV, who served as Pope from 1914 to 1922. While public domain English translations of In Hac Tanta and Principi Apostolorum Petro were not found for this compilation, the remaining letters offer profound insights into the Churchs teachings during a tumultuous time in history. Join Maria Therese as she presents these important works.

Dive into the profound insights of Pope Leo XIII, who reigned from 20 February 1878 until his passing in 1903 at the remarkable age of 93. Born Vincenzo Gioacchino Raffaele Luigi Pecci, he was not only the oldest pope in history but also one of the most intellectually vibrant, shaping modern Catholic social teachings through his groundbreaking encyclical, Rerum Novarum. Known affectionately as the Rosary Pope, he authored an impressive eleven encyclicals on the rosary alone. This collection brings together thirty of his most influential encyclicals and letters, addressing a rich tapestry of ...

During his eleven-year pontificate from 1903 to 1914, Pope St. Pius X authored 16 encyclicals, each addressing pivotal topics such as the lives of saints, The Immaculate Conception, The Restoration of All Things in Christ, and Catholic Social Action. This collection features 14 of his significant encyclicals, capturing the essence of his teachings. Notably, his most famous encyclical, Pascendi, is available separately at this link Pascendi Dominici Gregis (Summary by Maria Therese).

Journey back to 1841 and 1842 as Fr. Pierre-Jean DeSmet navigates the rugged and untamed American West, driven by a mission to share the gospel with the Flatheads. These Native Americans had sent numerous delegations from Montana to St. Louis, pleading for a Blackgown priest to guide them in their Christian faith. Fr. DeSmets heartfelt letters to his Jesuit Superiors reveal not only his extraordinary commitment and selflessness but also the trials he faced—fatigue, hunger, thirst, and dangers that echo the challenges of the apostle St. Paul. Alongside his spiritual quest, he offers ...

In the remarkable collection of letters by Newton, we uncover a profound and sacred purpose that resonates throughout his writings. His keen insights into human nature, paired with astute observations of the world around him, make these letters not only fascinating but also deeply enriching. Newtons distinctive style perfectly complements the intimate nature of epistolary communication, allowing readers to engage with his thoughts on a personal level. Most strikingly, these letters reveal an extraordinary depth of experiential knowledge regarding the power of faith, illuminating the essence of...

Have you ever wondered who you really are in Christ — and what it looks like to live with steady, unshakable confidence when insecurity, comparison, or disappointment try to pull you under? Welcome to Love Letter Faith — a podcast for Christian women who are tired of striving to be "enough" and ready to open God's Word and discover who He says they are. Each episode is an invitation to unfold the truth of Scripture — to see the identity, purpose, and the calling God has already written over your life. We talk about the real, everyday realities of faith — questioning your worth, ...

Set in the stark, judgmental landscape of seventeenth-century Salem, Massachusetts, a Puritan settlement, the tale unfolds around Hester Prynne. As she emerges from the town prison, her infant daughter Pearl cradled in her arms, Hester bears the heavy weight of the scarlet letter A emblazoned on her chest. This mark signifies her act of adultery—a public emblem of her sin that will haunt her for all to see. Despite the shame and scorn she faces, Hester remains steadfast in her silence, refusing to disclose the identity of her lover. The scarlet letter becomes both her punishment and a ...

In this heartfelt collection, Helen Ekin Starrett—journalist, devoted mother, grandmother, and educator—shares invaluable life lessons and spiritual guidance for young girls on the brink of independence. As they prepare to transition from the comfort of home into the complexities of adult life, Starretts wisdom offers support and insight into navigating their new responsibilities and challenges. (Summary by Bianca Kramer, quote from Letter I of this book)

In his groundbreaking work, Letter Concerning Toleration, John Locke addresses the critical relationship between religion and government. First published in 1689, this influential letter was originally written in Latin and swiftly translated into multiple languages. Directed towards an anonymous Honored Sir—in truth, Lockes close friend Philip von Limborch, who published it without Lockes consent—this letter presents a compelling argument for religious tolerance amidst the tumultuous backdrop of 17th-century England, where fears of Catholic dominance loomed large. Contrasting sharply with ...

In this timeless tale, we follow Hester Prynne, a young woman who finds herself embroiled in scandal after conceiving a child while her husband is lost at sea. The strict Puritan leaders of her Boston community force her to wear a scarlet letter A as a mark of shame for her adultery. Despite the pressure, Hester steadfastly refuses to reveal the identity of her lover, leading to devastating consequences for them both. The narrative begins with a fascinating glimpse into the Salem Custom-house, where Nathaniel Hawthorne was inspired to pen this classic story. Summary by Cori Samuel.

Dive into Letters from Hell, a captivating Christian fantasy novel that echoes the thought-provoking essence of C.S. Lewis The Screwtape Letters. Narrated by Otto, who has met an untimely demise, this work unfolds through his poignant letters detailing the torments and regrets born from a life steeped in self-indulgence. As he reflects on his own fate and that of other lost souls in Hell—a temporary holding place before the final judgment—readers are invited on a journey of discovery and introspection. The narrative is further enriched by a preface from the esteemed George MacDonald. - ...