By Ms. Viviana Marshall It has been asserted that gratitude is the most foundational of virtues. It has also been asserted that gratitude is, at best, a weakness. These two statements seem to hold each other in locked grip, completely at odds. Their opposition is only exaggerated when you learn that the former is argued by A. W. Tozer and Marcus Tullius Cicero and that the latter is argued by Aristotle and Joseph Stalin. But what if both assertions could be true? What if gratitude is as much of a virtuous premise as it is [...]

By Mrs. Jennifer Walker You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore. Ps. 16:11 ESV In this psalm, David acknowledges that authentic, abundant, meaningful, and deep joy is futile apart from the presence of the Creator. He sets the Lord always before him and praises the Lord as his “chosen portion” in whom he has a “beautiful inheritance,” “counsel,” and “instruction.” David concludes that surely this is the reason his heart is glad and his whole being rejoices. This [...]

By Dr. Nicholas DiDonato O Lord, how manifold are your works!In wisdom have you made them all.Psalm 104:24 “I pity the fool!” While not as eloquent as Proverbs, Mr. T nevertheless makes the point: foolishness, folly, and those who embrace them, are to be pitied. Yet, even the great Mr. T only reaches the halfway point: it is not enough simply to avoid the life of the fool, but one must follow the path of wisdom. And what is at the end of that path? Where does that path lead? In the Christian tradition, and [...]

2 Peter 1:3 “His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence . . .” How many of us, when considering what makes an excellent student, would think first about grades, SAT scores, or academic achievement in general? But should those be the primary ways we measure excellence?  Merriam-Webster defines excellence as “an excellent or valuable quality; virtue.”[1] The Greek concept arete, translated “excellence” in the verse above, likewise concerns morality, honor, and performing highly in fulfilling [...]