by Phoebe Farag Mikhail In the words of Austin Kleon, “I’m monogamous in my love life, but promiscuous in my reading life.” In 2019 I set a very lofty goal of 220 books on my Goodreads challenge, and while things looked iffy... Read More

By Phoebe Farag Mikhail Collaboration was my word of the year for 2019, and collaborate is what we did. Being in Community has grown and accomplished so much last year, it took me a month into 2020 to put this... Read More

by Phoebe Farag Mikhail Every year, I choose one book that embodies the focus of this blog, building stronger communities by strengthening authentic relationships. Yes, I am aware it’s 2020, but 2019 was so busy and eventful (more on that... Read More

By Phoebe Farag Mikhail Wars and proxy wars. Impeachment and presidential debates. I wonder, sometimes, what I will say when my grandchildren (God willing) ask me what I was doing during these world-changing, historic events. In fact, that thought came... Read More

By Phoebe Farag Mikhail With a new year comes fresh starts, setting goals, and resolutions. To make these happen we need tools – and what better tool than a good book! My book list below includes a new book about... Read More

by Phoebe Farag Mikhail Historically, Egyptian Christians never celebrated Advent with evergreen trees – they don’t really grow in Egypt. So, growing up even here in the US, Christmas trees didn’t feature much in our family Christmas traditions. What did... Read More

A few weeks ago, Tasoni Angel Basily departed in the Lord on November 24th, 2019. A modern-day spiritual giant, she outlived her famous husband, the Very Reverend Fr. Bishoy Kamel, by many decades, yet lived her life as if they... Read More

A Living Encouragement I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to see the non-profit Seeds for Hope grow from a stirring in my friend Nadia Kist’s heart after we visited Kenya together in 1999 to the deeply impactful non-profit it is... Read More

By Phoebe Farag Mikhail Many Western Christians and some Orthodox Christians have already begun their Advent Fast in preparation for the Nativity. This week, Orthodox Christians on the Julian Calendar (or the “old calendar”) will start our Advent Fast. Like... Read More

by Phoebe Farag Mikhail Yes, I know it’s not yet Thanksgiving, and no, I don’t have my Christmas decorations up yet. However, I’m also a planner, and lots of the items I’m sharing today need plenty of time to ship.... Read More