This beautiful Triptych is perfect for travel or to have on the bedside table.

No one is surprised that a librarian reads a lot of books, but it might surprise you that I have read quite a few "self-help" books. Most educators and parents today are familiar with the concept of "growth mindset" (rather than a "fixed mindset") that we can embrace our mistakes and learn from them and in doing so open ourselves up to greater learning. So I have embraced the hardships in teaching, marriage, motherhood, and just generally being a human. I have read books about anxiety (my favorite is "The Anxiety Toolkit"), books about marriage (a big fan of "The Five Love Languages"), and on and on. Oftentimes I find secular books extremely lacking. The faith component for me, in processing life's challenges, is a big one.  I have appreciated the many books offered by Ancient Faith Publishing on topics such as parenting, marriage, and even ecology.

The church is a hospital for sinners. How we deal with our own mistakes, shortcomings, and needs, with the help of our faith is how we can continue to grow and thrive. Most Orthodox Christians are familiar with the icon of "the ladder of divine ascent". The icon depicts saints in heaven looking down on humans as they struggle toward heaven and are thwarted by demons pulling at them and shooting them with arrows. It is a powerful image.  What does one do if they struggle or fall off the ladder-- our spiritual fathers say we have to get up! Get back on the ladder and try again. As we continue to get back up, we need to nurse those spiritual wounds.  Even if it was possible to live a life without being snared, or shot, by a demon's arrow, witnessing the world around us opens wounds that need to be healed. 

  We live in a beautiful world, but we also live in a broken world. This book is a very straight forward guide through experiences one may have had, and how to process them. Father Joshua is a licensed counselor. He writes in a clear way and offers many helpful explanations and exercises for healing. The most moving chapter for me was on "the fruits of healing". Consciously and deliberately putting in the work to break cycles, change thought patterns, and "do better" benefits ourselves, all those we interact with, and future generations.  The book ends with "Through the healing work we have discussed, every broken heart can become like the space of the empty tomb-- devoid of pain, sorrow, fear, and anger, and filled with light, hope and love". I strongly recommend this book to anyone who is struggling to find peace. 

I'm really enjoying my Orthodox Study Bible each morning as I read the scriptures for the day. As I'm new to Orthodoxy, the notes are very helpful and thought provoking.

This is such a unique book. It's approach is loving and gently, warmly leading you through an examination of many of life’s challenges and opportunities. It provides insightful and practical ways to grow closer to God, and in the process become the person you are meant to be, to live increasingly like Christ.

The Louhs’ intellect is apparent, but their heart and faith are clearly displayed too. This is a book written out of true faith and love. It is very readable, using helpful anecdotes and pertinent Scriptural references. It is not a textbook or a didactic “here’s what you need to do”; it is almost a conversation, and encourages you to think about how you think and to focus on living an intentional, God-centered life. And, importantly, they acknowledge this growth as a process with ups and downs, not something in which you reach an endpoint and there’s nothing left to do.

The Louhs have thoughtfully woven their experience, faith, heart and knowledge into a very impactful book. I highly recommend it. As a side note, I enjoyed delving into the references in “Endnotes”.

Really an amazing book. I didn't know what to expect--thinking it perhaps a populist-type, feel-good message. But what a perceptive blend between down-to-earth reality and a thought-provoking, almost academic approach to the science of gratitude to go with it. You just don't find that balance in many books today. And the wealth of personal experience and anecdote gave reality to the experiential and intellectual sides of the presentation. Just so balanced an approach. I'm going to be giving it to some people who will really benefit, and I am looking forward to whatever else by this author you may be publishing. He has such insight into the realities of life.

This novella is beautiful! Honestly, I thought it would be another solid YA chapter book for my kids, and then I opened it and could not put it down. It's beautiful, and it's not just for kids. Wolfe writes poetically and powerfully, from the perspective of the animals. It's gorgeous, and unforgettable. What a brilliant way to tell this story!

I loved Mwangi and so did all my kids! Kids need these stories of the Faith lived in many countries and contexts and races, not just Greek or Russian etc. Five stars for Mwangi!!

Bought this one awhile back and it was definitely worth reading!! Lots of information on child development and stages. Very timely for us as parents with children in different age groups. Loved the personal stories of failure and success. Very relatable.

These are lovely cards. Much better quality in cardstock and message than any sympathy card found at your local store. Thank you.

Father Evan Armatas’ book: Toolkit for Spiritual Growth wonderfully weaves the essence of the three spiritual disciplines of prayer, fasting and almsgiving, into one powerful way of continually transforming life. He very simply and practically explains the depth, dimensions and purpose of each of the three disciplines as expressions of love for others in action - real life. This book is so simple yet simultaneously profound even for the most seasoned believer. Reading this book as a whole is enjoyable, but rereading and reflecting upon its practical expressions in daily life helps the reader to cultivate an eternal heart of gratitude to God and love of neighbor.

"All Is Well" is a short but beautiful book by Dr. Albert Rossi whose message is always important, and is desperately needed by all who are experiencing challenges in their lives. Throughout the course of the book, Dr. Rossi shares profound Orthodox insights, as seen through his professional lens as a psychologist. Additionally, he layers in personal reflections in a conversational tone that make this book relatable and even more impactful. As I read the book, I felt the truth of the title: all is well.
Throughout the book, Dr. Rossi reminds us Christians what is important in our earthly ministry, of core Orthodox principles, and how we can develop our inner peace as we deepen our walk with Christ.
Dr. Rossi narrated the audiobook, and as such, allows the audience to hear the tone, pace, and humor as he intended.
Overall, this book was so beautiful, I began recommending it to friends and family before I even finished it. I am sure that I will return to it throughout my life and hope it is a blessing for you as well.

I had the privilege and blessing to sit with Dr. Al Rossi regularly while I studied at St. Vladimir’s Orthodox Theological Seminary, and I count those sessions among the most formative experiences of both my preparation for the priesthood and for my life as an Orthodox Christian. Please read this book! It reminds me of sitting with Dr. Rossi, for this book’s gentle tone takes me back to his small, warm office and back into his compassionate presence. He spoke few words when I was with him: he allowed me to speak and share my inner world with him. Yet when he did speak, he sounded like this book, and, more to the point, he presented the gentle and kind wisdom waiting for you on these pages. I could share so many examples. One that stands out to me now, eleven years after my ordination to the priesthood and ten years after leaving St. Vladimir’s, appears on page 98: “Life is one long learning curve.” So true. Yet, I would not wish to leave the impression that this book contains only insightful “points to ponder,” for Dr. Rossi’s own personal frailties and struggles appear, and they give this book an authenticity which undergirds every word. I particularly enjoy the presence of Dr. Rossi’s dear wife, Galina, and his spiritual father, Fr. Tom Hopko (both departed this life) who receive mention throughout this book, as do his children, Beth and Timothy. In none of this, does Dr. Rossi simply present himself for his own sake, let alone for his own glory. Rather, Dr. Rossi presents the stories and people that make up his life in order to invite reflection on foundational existential wisdom: the real stuff of Orthodox Christian life, daily, in the “here-and-now.” You will want to keep this book by your reading chair or wherever you sit for quiet devotional reading, for Dr. Rossi offers “All is Well” to us as a font of living wisdom to which you will want to return regularly and from which you will desire to draw small, refreshing sips. This book is “real”—it is at times raw and unvarnished, like real life, but never despondent. There is nothing “glib” about “All is Well,” and it is at one and the same time grounded in real life and infused with the hope of the Kingdom of God as both a present reality and a future hope. I count it one of my life’s deepest blessings to call Dr. Al Rossi my friend, and I commend “All is Well” to you wholeheartedly.

My favorite Orthodox coloring book. I will continue to buy it as long as it’s available! My kids LOVE it.

I recently finished reading Renewing You: A Priest, a Psychologist, and a Plan, and approached it as another book that would help me grow in my Orthodox Christian faith, stowing away the label of a “self-help” work, to place it on the shelf with The Orthodox Way, and Wounded By Love.

Renewing You is an easy read, with down to earth stories of challenges we all face in our quest to follow Christ, and function within a materialistic, “me” society. It was surprising how many areas of our lives it touched upon, from foundational recommendations, suggestions on how to approach the obstacles of materialism, caring for ourselves, and much more.

Eight chapters doesn’t sound very long, but it is substantial at nearly 400 pages. And I confess, I skimmed chapter 7, as I no longer have young children at home. Each chapter concludes with a prayer which corresponds to the subject of each chapter, and a list of questions to help you go deeper into the material. I enjoyed these extras. They compelled me stop and reflect.

I recommend this book to those that are struggling with how to develop a deeper relationship with God that contributes to discovery of his purpose for each of us.

Love these calendars! Beautiful and practical!

I am pleased to have this book. It is very helpful on many fronts. Can be read at any time with a meaning for all events in life.

Great author, but I was expecting more tools in the tool kit. Maybe not tools exactly, but blueprints as well. You can't give people tools and expect them to build a house. Maybe a future book could be called blueprints for spiritual growth

Sweet

Great

Excellent!