the story behind the story...

Awhile ago I had the blessing of spending quite a bit of quiet time venerating the holy relics of Elder Joseph the Hesychast, or Papouli, as many refer to him. Needless to say, after that time I requested his intercessions even more incessantly.

Several weeks later we took a road trip to North Carolina. As my children slept peacefully in the back and my husband grew lost in his own thoughts, my mind stirred with story ideas. I had such an overwhelming desire to write a story about Elder Joseph. I prayed that he would plant a seed in my heart that would blossom forth into a story about his life and works.

Indeed a story was born during our 5-hour trek on I-95. Although the story is not about his life or works, I believe that Papouli undeniably sowed that seed in my heart and I like to think he would be pleased with the outcome.

I am delighted to present my first children's book, A Pocketful of Seeds, which will be available beginning December 1st. Pre-sale orders available. Contact Sylvia{at}OrthodoxMom{dot}com for details.

And we prayed and we sowed and we prayed and we sowed...

After a war evacuation leaves a young boy separated from his family, he remembers something his mother told him, and he prays. But does God hear his prayer? When he crosses paths with a holy monk, he decides to accompany him on a mission from God to a strange and distant land. Along the way seeds are planted, and he learns lessons in faith, forgiveness and following his heart.