No Room

When you have something "special" you "make room" for it by creating a space to provide a place to display it. Something of great importance should never be hidden.

Each year when I ponder the story of the birth of Christ, I seem to focus on one aspect, the one that weighs most on my mind at the time. It would appear that every part of the story is important because it reveals a profound mystery. "No Room" has taken precedence lately. Those words stand apart, especially in light of today's understanding of Merry Christmas.

Was Jesus born away from the inn, done to emphasize His place of birth, creating a place of importance, in order to set Him apart from all others? Yet, birthed in a humble stable where animals dwelt, is not my idea of fit for a King. We participate along with the wise men who find Him, following elements in the sky. The two year journey, pinpointed their precise destination. We find an infant King, because there was "No Room?" Or, I wonder, do the words take on a new and hidden meaning for this age?

Ordinary people of that time, turned away this infant "King" Jesus, because they could not make room for Him. Sound familiar?

The fact is that Christians for thousands of years, have welcomed Him in their homes by displaying Nativity Scenes, recalling the "first Christmas." Homes do not have so much as a cross today, never mind the nativity scene. But, most of them have trees. Not "Christmas trees", but "Holiday trees". Christmas has been reduced to "toys" and "shopping until you drop". We refer to "the Holiday's" and there is "no room" for the Holy Christmas.

There is no room for "Christ," No room for the needy, No room for forgiveness, No room for compromise, No Room for Love. No Room for infants, the killing of many innocent babies in the womb. Two words, "No Room" take on a harsh tone, just like the madness of the "first Christmas, and the killing of the innocent." What kind of pitiful state are we in?

Is there room for faith in your life or is there "No Room?" "There is no longer any wiggle room for the Truth. Are you allowing other's to squeeze you from your space or is there room for your expression of the "real" Christmas, and "real" St. Nicholas, a "real" saint.

We are in the season of advent, that is: making preparation , "in waiting," for life, for birth. We expand our capacity for the living and giving and loving because we experience a "joy" for His coming. Keep the spirit alive by finding the way to "make room in the chambers of your heart," by clearing out the mess!

So ponder this: When Christ came, there was "No Room," for Him then, and there is sadly "No Room" for Him now.

If you truly want to be happy this Christmas, you need to lead someone to the manager. Someone who has lost their way, because they can't find Him hidden in a cave as there was "No Room" in the Inn. Your heart will be filled with the "Joy" that will cause you to say, "Merry Christmas," an all too common word that seems to be forgotten, just like the Spirit of Christmas.

A very Happy Thanksgiving

If I didn't have but the thought of you, I'd still have a happy Thanksgiving. For God has provided me with family and many blessings, and for this I am eternally thankful. I am sending "Happy Thanksgiving" wishes to you and your families on this Holiday.

I am thankful for the many who have taken the time to read this post, and from time to time have acknowledged it with your comments, which I appreciate.

I hope that today will bring a smile on your face wherever you are, and that kindness will find its way to you, in some small way.

And, as the day closes, I pray that heavenly blessings will follow you.

We are expecting snow tonight, and so it begins.

Merry Christmas

It will always be Merry because of Christmas. Christmas is not just a word, it is more than a phrase. It is a word that says historically, the Christ child came and dwelt among us. A child who was born to change the world's condition. He has many names, Wonderful, Counselor, Savior. He is the Christ, the son of the Living God. Christ is born is an historical fact.

He cannot be stamped out, no matter if we are not allowed to say Merry Christmas as we should, by the right of free speach. We can withhold gifts from under the tree, if we choose to, afterall it itsn't the gift that we celebrate. We celebrate Him. He is the Gift.

Those companies which suggest that we should be "all inclusive" must understand that it is not simply a greeting. We can include everyone in this celebration. Afterall, He came for everyone and did not exclude anyone in his salvation plan for the world. So, It will always be a "Merry" Christmas in our hearts. You are all welcome to join in.

Tomorrow, as we give thanks, we will be mindful of the shopping season ahead and prepare for the gifting of other's yet knowing, nothing is ours that doesn't come from Him, another reason to give thanks and celebrate.

Silent Night, Holy Night, All is calm, All is Bright.---Joy to the World, the Lord has come. Let earth receive her King. (Truly a time to reflect on this great miracle).

I just love Christmas. Thanksgiving is not too bad either. There is a time for everything. We will watch Santa who will appear in the Macy's parade, to usher in Christmas, as if this were a promotional event. I guess to some it is as it (means time to start Christmas shopping), but do you know the real St. Nicholas? For that matter, do you know the real Christ of Christmas? Something to think about as Christmas approaches is'nt it? Or, will this be just another empty holiday to throw away with your gift wrap.

H1N1 Vaccines

What happens when a company, GlaxoSmithKline issues the advice "not to use one batch of swine flu vaccine?" Then you, being of sound mind, need to understand that someone is trying to tell you something of very grave importance. (The advice was extended to "Canadian Healthcare Professionals," not the general public).

Why would anyone want to not use all that is available when people are standing in line waiting for the vaccine that will potentially save their lives? The reason, "it may trigger life-threatening allergies." (reported in a Fox News Internet story, received through Associated Press--LONDON.) Go here to read it.

We are just receiving this today, however, it is old news, as the story broke on Tuesday, November 24th. It appears that "someone" at GlaxoSmithKline is morally, and legally engaged. Engaged enough to alert Canadian doctors of an outcome of serious nature. I give allot of credit to her, and her company for their courage, as I wonder, would all manufacturer's do the same?

Unfortunately, "the affected batch contains 172,000 doses." "7.5 million" were distributed in Canada. The next question is how easy is it to "recall" the affected batch? Do you know where the remaining doses are?

Gwenan White, spokeswoman for the company, revealed the mode of communication on November 18, 2009, saying, "GlaxoSmithKline wrote."

I hope that's not all they did, in this computerized age where communication is instantaneous. How long does it take to distribute 172,000 doses of the H1N1 in which people have been waiting to receive for months? How many people must be exposed to a potential danger before a batch can be considered life-threatening? How many professionals received the notification, or took it seriously? What was the time factor? How many were actually distributed?

Bottom line is: Do you know their is a risk associated with taking the H1N1 vaccine? How much has it weighed in your decision to receive it?

Going "Gluten Free"

Sunday we suffer from the effects of "coffee hour" in that we are tempted to, and do eat products which are enticing, yet not good for our "refined" way of eating. We have decided to change that.

Wheat has always been a staple in our home from which we now find ourselves becoming intolerant to, to some degree. We do not believe that there is any history of Celiac disease in our family, however, gluten is found in many products and eaten at times without knowledge, until various unpleasant symptoms appear, which vary from time to time.

The problem is that people sensitive to gluten's will suffer eventually from malnutrition. Malnutrition is a complication as nutrients are prevented by damaged villi to be absorbed into the bloodstream. (No matter how much you eat, or how many vitamins and minerals the body receives), you are not benefiting from them. You could eventually grow sickly and possibly have symptoms over a period of time, which will hopefully allow you to take hold and change your diet, preventing possibly diseases like cancer, osteoporosis, depression and other psychiatric issues, liver diseases and many autoimmune conditions, including allergies. When you finally find out what has been bothering you all these years, it is a time to rejoice. Now knowing, you can do something about it.

Children who have this disease may have delayed growth or puberty, young women may have miscarriage's or reproductive issues. Other's thyroid problems, making one feel tired, and not able to stay awake. Type 1 Diabetes. These conditions are on the rise. It may affect your skin, and even juvenile rheumatoid arthritis may be associated with celiac disease.

If you suspect gluten to be the cause of your many problems, the only way to be sure is to be tested by your physician and then, like the rest of us who have from intolerance to life threatening allergic reactions, stay away.

Joint inflammation is a common complaint around here. Gluten is not a friend of ours. We are process of removing it from our diet.

Isn't it odd that when you introduce the so called "white products into your meal plan" (salt, sugar and refined flours,) that you gain so much weight?

It may take ten years before you finally understand that certain food stuffs are simply not good for you, and substitution should get you on a healthier path. If you have tried everything and still do not know what is toying with your weight, or making you feel bloated and gassy, sometimes causing serious pain, loss of sleep, awful indigestion and anxiety, take a look at gluten.

What we need in this country is more alternatives, less gluten additives and more labeling to help identify a product that may be "killing you" and your general sense of well-being if you are intolerant to it. Lastly, gluten free products must be made affordable.

Yesterday, I read the book "The G Free Diet" by Elisabeth Hasselbeck. A great read with many sources and ideas for those with sensitivity to gluten. She is the Co host on the "View." Originally from Rhode Island, from an Italian background, her pasta and bread diet, and family stories brought home to me fond memories I could identify with. Especially, I recall my mother making spaghetti and meatballs with Italian bread every Sunday.

Keeping my weight has always been a problem for me, even though I used to walk three miles a day, march in the band and work every evening on my feet. Activity was never my problem.

It is time for the "Hidden Epidemic ( Peter Green, MD) to be discovered." It was reported in Elisabeth Hasselbeck's book that "Catholic communities have already worked out G-free communion solutions for their celiac members." That was an eye opener which made me wonder if anyone in our Church Community has encountered this problem?

Under the Food Allergen Labeling and Consumer Protection Act, food manufacturers must clearly label all products that contain any of the eight most common food allergens: wheat, milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts and soybeans. Our family has a history of allergies, food and environmental. These labels must be universal. Additives can be vague, and under a certain percent, they do not have to be listed. We must be precise in some cases.

This interesting story came from Hasselbeck's book. "There's a case report of a woman in Italy who had the diagnosis and didn't get better and they traced it to the fact that she was having a corner of a communion wafer a day and that was calculated out to be one milligram of gluten."

Thanks to Elisabeth for the work and information that will be helpful to so many who are wondering why they do not feel well when they consume food products that are supposed to be good for you.

Community Feasts On Turkey

St. Michael's Parish once again provided the community with a delicious turkey dinner. We are pleased by the continuous growth of the feeding program which is designed to bring people together for a community meal. We advertise in our local paper, and of course happy participants spread the word.

The cook and manager of the event is our parish priest, Fr. Peter Preble. Endearing is what he is to all. As I entered the parish hall yesterday, all I could smell was the turkey's cooking in preparation for the feast. Since he was up at 5:00 A.M., I can only imagine how exhausted he had to be last night. We are fortunate to have him in our small brim-filled parish, filled with activity which is Christian driven. People that contribute to the basket on the refreshment table are feeding our local food share program. So we feed to feed other's. This is a bible solution.

I don't think that many parishes can hold a candle to ours. We focus on our brother, beginning with our own congregation each Sunday. So, look forward to December 17th. for a great meal, hospitality and pastry that's prepared the way mom did it, the old fashioned way.

We're here to serve you, and serve you we did. And, while your at it, don't forget our Sunday Liturgy begins at 10 A.M., your invited.

Lagniappe

I love to throw parties. Last night was no exception. There are some people who just will pick up something just to be together. But no, not me. If there were a word to describe my character, "Lagniappe" is it. People arrive to share the very best. It begins with the clean house, with enticing smells, a happy and comfortable atmosphere. Last night, we had some new spinach dip to try, with crispy colorful veggie chips. Everyone was starving, I could tell. Once the drinks were brought out and dinner was finally on the white linen tablecloth, it was salad and cabbage soup. Then, the main dish along with homemade applesauce, sliced carrots, peas and mashed, whipped potatoes.

We always say the "prayer" together and allow time for our little grandson to add his personal intentions, which is usually for his little friends. He happily sits at the end of the table, grampy on the other side, feeling important. Conversation is always welcomed, and it was his opportunity to announce to us that, "I'm a Dude." We were all taken by surprise. It is a term used when addressing other guys, Like Hey Dude, (guy or pal). A guy thing. He sure is growing up. He's my little man. Normally, he tells me things that are important to him. Tonight it was, "grandma, I'm staying at your house." He is almost as happy as his parents are, that they are going away. Then he told me again, that he has a "big boy room now" painted orange and dark blue. Normally when we get together for dinner, he has so many people to play with and talk too, that I'm the last person on his list. He knows that grandma is doing the same, visiting with all her guests. We are both busy doing the same thing.

Last night, I heard grampy say, don't touch grandma's shells, she worked hard to find them. I have quite a collection, which I place on my little table in front of the sofa. Nathan and I pick them up during our conversation time. The last time, I showed him what a "natural hinge" is, as two shells were still together. You can learn a lot from nature. In my house he can "touch" things and he feels welcome. Comfort precedes conversation. His mother acknowledges his "using his words." Communication skills are the most important of all the learned abilities. He is praised for his "nice manners," I also observed. The affection displayed toward their son, is heartwarming. Nathan is a very lucky boy.

It was a big night, as he helped me with a "gluten free, yellow, butter-cream" birthday cake for Aunt Jean. He loves birthday's and reminded me that I had just had one. It is always a happy time to remember someone else. This was a cake that everyone in the house could enjoy, taking into consideration all the allergies and intolerance.

Then, as usually done this time of the year, we exchanged names for Christmas presents. Done secretly, we use the draw a name method. Part of the fun is in not knowing who has your name. This way we limit the number of gifts to focus on one "special" one.

As I was cleaning up in the kitchen, Nathan reminded me that he was still waiting for his "coffee." It's kind of a joke, as Nathan doesn't really drink coffee. Sometimes, I warm up a little milk and hot chocolate. As long as it's in a "coffee cup" it will do. Last night, it was a touch of decaf in cream. Just like the soup, which I called "ketchup soup" it was just to taste. He really doesn't want the coffee, he wants to be treated like "the big boy he is." Grandmothers understand children. It is the little small insignificant moments that make our relationship "special." Really knowing and listening to someone.

Later, that evening Nathan was sitting on a bar stool, because he can now, finishing up his cake, with watered down orange soda, looking very tired. He had had a very busy day, but was not complaining. I brought him into the bathroom to wash his orange face and hands, gently, and finished with his favorite hand lotion, smelling like lime jello. It's fun to come to "grandma's house," because grandma gives "Lagniappe" a little something extra.

Lagniappe is the gift that grandma gives to everyone that comes to know and love her, because she knows and loves them.

Grace Saves the Willing

Today's churches are missing something, you! And this is your personal invitation. Surely you have heard about Jesus, the whole world has. (Paul was travelling on the road to Damascus and was not seeking or looking to find Jesus, when the Lord made Himself known to him). Belief is not the problem is it?

Jesus stands with outstretched hands, an open invitation. He seeks and makes Himself known to the willing, who obtain the grace of salvation. Those who are contrary or disobedient have a spirit of stupor, and even in hearing accept death instead of life. Do not remove yourself from the love of Christ, instead remove the blinders. This is your alter call.

We are in the Advent of Christmas, the celebrated Birth of our Lord and Savior, preparing to receive Him, and the joy of His presence in Your heart. Do not settle for empty gifts and promises this year, get the Real Gift. You can't out give God, and He already knows what you want. His gift is the one that does not stop giving and lasts an eternity, and all you have to do is receive it.

The package

Tonight we tried a new restaurant, which brings home a point. That is that beauty is usually hidden. We have passed by this restaurant, judging it to be second rate because of its location. Others have raved about it yet, it didn't appeal to me as I judged it from the outside.

As I sat in the dinning room, eloquently decorated in my favorite black and golds, my focus was on the full view windows, which used to display furniture in its time. Now, the plush drapes and transparent window dressings took you to an interior dimension which allowed you to forget where you are. I recall saying, "pinch me, we can't be in ---." Then, I tasted the fare of the day, with a glass of red wine, which they poured from a decanter in front of me, and thought myself in a plush restaurant in one of our great cities or, a five-star restaurant in a quaint town like, Kennebunkport, ME. Unbelievable!

Often we miss out on something special because we "prejudge". Years ago, I recall going to a service at a monastery in CT, which was developed from a burnt out barn. Once inside, it was so beautiful, and peaceful. In the newly renovated area hung huge Icons, where bees wax candles provided the light, and the interior smelled sweetly of incense. Yet, looking from the outside, it was unsightly and run-down. Few even knew it was there. It no longer is.

People are like that, from the outside they may not be all that appealing, but it's inside that you will find a beautiful person who will give you the shirt off their back. The first words from their mouth are welcoming , and their interest is not in themselves, but in you.

We hear that you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover. At a moments glance, you can be fooled into believing whatever someone wants you to think. Usually, that is a "false impression", so look deeper, for the beauty that is, is within. And, you may find the truth that is obscured, initially. Why are people so afraid to get close, intentionally keeping their distance, when all they want is to be "discovered" if only they could trust. Yet, most people have a thick stone wall built up so high that no one can penetrate it. From the outside, cold and hard, yet on the inside, vulnerable, needing to be accepted and loved for who they are. It begins with "hello." It begins with "me." Let the light in, take a chance.

We were so impressed with Fins & Tales, that we've made reservations for Thanksgiving Dinner. I wonder when I look outside this time, watching the cars go by in the daylight, if Iwill see the atmosphere across the street or will I be so impressed with the inside, that it will be all that matters.

The inside is "the heart" of the matter, and the heart is all that counts. Are you looking deeply? We are conditioned to look for externals. Who and where you come from, money, jewelry, assets, position, education, associates, and all sort of social identities. Yet, from this venue of choices will you discover what will bring you happiness or will you be looking out from the window of discontent, like so many others that don't get it.

Take a chance, it's not the package but the content. Last week I celebrated another birthday and I recall saying that my mom, didn't bother wrapping the gift, often presenting it in a paper bag. She knew where the focus was!

St. Michael's Feastday

A joyful weekend was had by John and I, beginning with Friday, my birthday party with my family. Saturday noon we had lunch at St. Nicholas Church who were holding their annual Holiday bazaar. A few short hours later found us at St. Michael's Church, celebrating a vesperal service with parishioners and several priests, which was followed by refreshments in the Museum. Then it was out to dinner at our favorite restaurant in our local area, with friends.

Our church was packed fully for our Liturgy on Sunday, where our Pastor, Fr. Peter Preble gave an outstanding homily. I recall hearing that Orthodoxy is not a religion but a lifestyle. We are called to service, love means doing. And our church has been in operation 85 years.

Our hall was decked out in white linens with a wonderful turkey dinner and all the fixing's. Unfortunately, the gravy which was in a container with a lid, opened up suddenly all over my plate, table, chair and floor. Thankfully, my dress was salvaged.

Later, I was to learn how fortunate I was in not wearing gravy when John and I were presented with a gift and Icon by the parish. Fr. Peter with kind words surprised us, thoroughly and unexpectedly, calling us up for it's presentation, (someone was looking out for me).

It seems my family knew, everyone but John and me. I was just happy that they came to church and honored us by their presence at the dinner table. John has served two Orthodox Churches for over twenty-three years and it is his "first" and rightly deserved recognition.

Somewhere on this page, you will see a photo of this very happy occasion. The Icon of the Theotokos is one of my favorites. It expresses the closeness of mother and child. Where the cheek of Jesus touches his mother's face and his arms embrace her neck in a hug.

If you are a mother then you understand that embrace. If you are the child, then it says you adore your mom, she is your world. If you are anyone else looking at that pose, then you see a perfect rendition of love. Possibly followed by an affectionate kiss. Such tenderness.

Many people deserve recognition, and never get so much as a thank you. We didn't expect this act of kindness for our parish but appreciate your thoughtfulness. It was a "tender" moment and we truly feel loved. Thanks so very much.

Father kept saying, "And we're not through with you yet." We are in God's service and it is our pleasure to serve you.

A Birthday Buzz

It started yesterday, when I placed my shower cap on, getting ready to step into the shower. You guessed it, the doorbell rang. Just as he started to leave, and had gone down a few stairs, I opened the door and said, "just leave it"! closing the door quickly. He saw the shower cap and was off in a flash, getting the message. No, it wasn't that he came too early, I was getting a late start. Who wants to rush on your birthday. If I sound a little spoiled, I am. No one has a nicer family than me. The beautiful gift was from my grandson, who is getting to be a big boy, almost four, and there it was, accompanied by a "happy birthday balloon," which he loves to play with.

We went to dinner last evening and later to the Cannery for entertainment. (What a brass section, a fabulous group). Nathan was tired but stayed up with the adults, saying "grandma, it's your birthday" because he knows birthday's are special. It was spectacular! Red wine, Celtic Nachos, a full course meal and cheese cake. Nathan entertained us with songs, dance and stories.

It just so happened that the "private room" was available, at one of my special eating spots, at 12 Crane. The River Run room had an art exhibit and I was invited to pick one from amongst the many framed designs. The work was my favorite, lighthouses, ocean and landscape images. I found one that complimented the work of my daughter-in-law Angie, which is hanging in my living room. And, if that wasn't enough, out came packages and cards to open.

Some people are lucky enough to get gifts that they actually like and find useful. The best of gift of all, was looking at each one of them, in good health doing well, and happy. It was the best birthday ever.

Since I'm a bottom-line person, I always admire a person that can just say it. It was in the wee hours maybe around 1AM, having come from a very cold evening of thirty-one degrees and just settling in, when I spotted the words on the card that John gave me earlier in the evening, they said, "All I know of love is that it begins and ends with you."

I am truly blessed!

Love Never Fails

What is the one thing that everyone needs and wants to know is "Do You Love Me?" Love was the topic of discussion last night at our bible study class. We examined (1Cor.13) where Saint Paul speaks to us about love, the greatest of all commandments.

Love is superior to Gifts. It has characteristics. (Two of the most important to me is that Love is patient and never fails.) That means to me that God will never get tired of trying to gain your love, because He loves you that much. And, He will never let you go for His love for you is eternal.

You can have faith that moves mountains, (that is no small measure), yet without love you are nothing. And you have nothing. The only thing that love cannot do, is fail....

St. John Chrysostom says, "we are to desire the gifts of the Spirit, but pursue the Love of God." (1Cor:14) "Pursue love, and desire spiritual gifts" (1Cor:13) "Abide in faith, hope, love, these three: but the greatest of these is love."

It is important then to understand what love is, as we are taught by our Lord, Jesus. (Matthew 22:37) "Jesus said to him, " 'You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind.' (39) 'You shall love your neighbor as yourself.' This is the first and greatest commandment.

Love is mystery, it is in fact, God Himself. (1John4:8) " He who does not love does not know God, for God is love." (1John 4:7)"Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God." (1John4:13) "By this we know that we abide in Him, and He in us, because He has given us of His Spirit." (1John4:10) In this is love, not that we loved God, but that He loved us and sent His Son to be the propitiation for our sins." (18) "There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear" (19)"We Love Him because He first loved us." (11) "Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another."

Love is so important that Jesus asks Peter three times to confess his love for Him. We also need to hear that we are loved. (John21:17)" Do You Love Me?" and he said to Him, "Lord, You know all things; You know that I love You." Jesus said to him, "Feed My sheep."

What if Jesus were asking the same question to you right now? What would your reply be? How are you toward others? Are you ministering to their needs? Do you love them? We are all called to the "ministry of love." Sometimes we hear others say, "God loves you and so do I." That's a nice thing to hear, but is hearing enough?

This is the only treasure that you can bring with you, your love. So we need to ask ourselves living in this world today with all it's sophistication, how much do we exemplify Christ's love, for all our brothers. Or, is it as we find in (Matthew 24:12)"And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold."

God speaks directly to the churches (Revelation 2:7) (4-5)"Nevertheless I have this against you, that you have left your first love. Remember therefore from where you have fallen; repent and do the first works, or else I will come to you quickly and remove your lampstand from its place--unless you repent. (7)" He who has an ear,let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To him who overcomes I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the Paradise of God." '
"had left her first love, (v.4) presumably meaning love for God and each other", as taken from the Orthodox Study bible, P.594.

There we have it in a nutshell. Churches are diminishing when they fail to heed the warning of not Loving God and Neighbor as yourself. We live in the "what's in it for me" generation. One of self-centered people, who need to get back "their first love." He is the one that created you, died for you and loves you beyond measure. He is waiting to hear from you. (Luke 12:48) "For everyone to whom much is given, from him much will be required; and to whom much has been committed, of him they will ask the more."