NEW DATE: February 15th (January Date Was Postpone Due to Snow Storm) Book Discussion Group: Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives

Spiritually lazy? Distracted? Frustrated? Negative? Restless? Lack faith? Inattentive? Ungrateful? Disturber of the peace? Good news: to turn these failings around, it is as simple as (or as daunting as) changing our thoughts. In Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives: The Life and Teachings of Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnika, by Ana Smiljanic, the first quarter of the book tells of the life of 20th century Elder Thaddeus (see below). The rest of the book is a collection of the Elder’s teachings, most of which have a common theme expressed in the title. Many secular psychological theories (e.g., cognitive therapy) have a similar thrust. Our thoughts become reality just as all of creation is a manifestation of Divine thought made material. God’s energy is in us but we are not aware of it. We influence others with our thoughts. If our thoughts are good, we radiate peace all around us. However, when we have ugly thoughts, we radiate negativity in our family and everywhere. There is a difference between secular theories and the teachings of Elder Thaddeus. Secular theories often have self-esteem as a goal. Elder Thaddeus’ teachings are aimed at developing humility and doing God’s will. In doing God’s will, the greatest reward is peace and joy for a Christian. The Lord will reward us with peace if, by His grace in cooperation with our will, we change our thoughts and turn toward God in whom humility reigns and peace radiates. If we wish good for ourselves and our neighbor, we must become free from thoughts of suffering insult; we must forgive from the heart. If our thoughts are kind and peaceful, everyone will feel the peace; the opposite is also true.

"Why does the Lord command us to love our enemies and to pray for them? Not for their sake, but for ours! For as long as we bear grudges, as long as we dwell on how someone offended us, we will have no peace." Elder Thaddeus

About Elder Thaddeus’ Life (from the Holy Cross Bookstore website):
Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnica was one of the most renowned spiritual guides of Serbia in the twentieth century. As a novice he lived in obedience to Elder Ambrose of Miljkovo Monastery, a disciple of the Optina Elders. From him Fr. Thaddeus learned the Prayer of the Heart and the selfless love that came to characterize his whole ministry to the suffering Serbian people. Born in 1914, Elder Thaddeus lived through all the suffering endured by Serbia in the twentieth century. Over the course of two World Wars, during the Communist takeover, and through the NATO bombings of 1999, he co-suffered with his people. He taught, counseled, and prayed for all who came to him in pain and sorrow. His words of love and hope provided spiritual balm for people from all classes of society. In 2002 Elder Thaddeus reposed, leaving behind a large collection of his teachings, preserved by his faithful spiritual children. His life, teachings, and spiritual conversations are here presented for the first time in English
A review off the book may be accessed via podcast at:
http://ancientfaith.com/podcasts/speakingofbooks/our_thoughts_determine_our_lives.

Please join us for this memorable evening at 7:00 P.M. in the church parlor on January 19, 2012. For Book Discussion Group updates visit: http://www.hocalibrary.blogspot.com/. To join the book group email list, email tcolaizzo@aol.com.

The Book Discussion Group is a subministry of the church library. Our Thoughts Determine Our Lives: The Life and Teachings of Elder Thaddeus of Vitovnika, may be purchased in the church’s Orthodox Bookstore/Gift Shop or may be borrowed from the church library.