How Little We Remember

Christmas was fun for my grandson. Even the smallest gifts were fun to open and play with. One of the gifts we found for him was an inexpensive bowling ball set. It contained a zipped bag filled with ten plastic pins and two balls.

When he came over to play today I suggested that we set 'em up and roll the ball to see how well we could do at knocking down the pins. It was too funny to see how serious he took all this as it seemed that he used to have a bowling set at his house.

My boys used to have a set years ago, and I remembered how well they liked them. What I failed to remember is what a pain they were as they continuously fell over and knocked each other down. They do not do well on carpeting for one thing, and even the slightest breeze bowled them over.

But, he loved it, and didn't tire of it as it had hoped he would. I can still picture him jumping up and down in delight at having hit the pins with the ball. Right, just the vibration on the floor sent them toppling over. Finally I resorted to setting the pins up on a butcher's cutting block. Perfect! The only exception was that you could not roll the ball on the floor to knock down the pins. When he wasn't successful, he came out with a large plastic yard ball. No problem. He did it and he was the winner, according to him. Of course he was, he was the only one playing.

Getting Ready for Christmas

Today found me ready for Christmas, almost. Dinner then more shopping, believe it or not. Now, more presents to wrap. There are always loose ends, so to speak and then, the unexplained.

The unexplained is what my grandson told Santa at his daycare party that I was privileged to attend, that he wanted for Christmas this year. Yes, it was the only thing that he said he wanted. I had no clue. That is why we went out again this evening to try and find it. Sure enough it was the only one. It was meant to be his. Needless to say we found other things and that's usually how it happens. Our first stop was the package store where we were able to purchase last minute wines and other goodies.

I can't believe how cold it is outdoors. It's two below in Worcester right now. We forget from season to season what bitterly cold weather is like. The good news is that nothing lasts forever. Tomorrow at this time, we will not care about the weather, nor remember anything but the peace joy, and goodwill that Christmas brings.

I promised myself more rest, so I'll be able to stay awake Christmas Eve. Everything will turn out okay, it always does. Oh Santa where are you? I need some help.

You Like A Challenge

Famous words from the mouth of my mother-in-law, "you like a challenge." Life is nothing but a continuous challenge, at least it is for me. I have had many days similar but not quite like this one. Christmas Eve parties are always here at our house and I have always had the pleasure of making everyones favorites. The list is growing with requests.

So this is how it went today. It started with oatmeal squares with strawberry filling. Followed by three pies with homemade shells, a "sugar free"pumpkin for my mother-in-law, meat pie and salmon pie for the buffet. Contending with wheat, peanut and pork product allergies, many items had to be duplicated, like the chocolate chip cookies one gluten free and one peanut free. Next, the sugar cookie cut-outs with colored sprinkles, peanut free. And, chocolate cup cakes, peanut free, which will be frosted tomorrow with white icing and colored sprinkles.

The yellow cup cakes, are gluten free. Unfortunately, with rice flour, the batter which is filled up to the top, shrinks half-way down when cooled. Tomorrow, I will have to filled them with pudding or a cheesecake filling with cherries.

I usually go with products that have been tried before, especially when the package does not specifically spell out "peanut free manufacturing facility."

Tomorrow, I will bake corn bread, and make several dips, and fillings for the stuffed sandwiches. Deviled eggs with ham are a must for one of my sons who also looks for his shrimp dip each year. The other likes tuna and egg salad sandwiches. My husband loves roast beef. Luckily, my daughter-in-law just came across Kielbasa made without pork casings, which will be a welcomed addition, along with the cheese platter and shrimp with cocktail sauce.

Eggplant Lasagna with meatballs and sauce is my favorite, with tossed salad. This year the seafood chowder will wait for another evening.

I can't even imagine how I'll manage to do all that needs to be done and still watch Nathan, yet there is no question that I will accomplish it.

Gifts are all wrapped, decorations are all up, even the house village, complete with the park and winter scenes. I wonder what Santa will bring for Christmas? Nate says he's been a good boy. He'll get the chocolate cup cakes that he wanted and the big chocolate cookies, grandma made sure of that.

I don't know who's more excited about Christmas this year, him or Grampy. Liturgy at our church is at five. Other guests will come following their seven O'clock service. As we all picked a name in November, everyone will have a gift to open. There are little surprises and sometimes joke gifts. We always have a good time, which begins with a toast. We say three times, "Christ is born", to which all reply "Glorify Him!"

Unexpected Christmas Present

The best present that one can receive is one from the heart. There are many people in my inner circle, who I live to pamper, friends and family alike. I know that they love me by the way they do little and unexpected things for me.

Yesterday, I got the surprise of my life. Nathan will be four in January. He is like most kids his age, affectionate toward his little stuffed animals, and mom and dad. Usually, when it is time for him to go home, his parents prompt him, saying, "give grandma a kiss" which he does. I'll say grandma loves you. He is our only grandson and the joy which he brings cannot be compared in any way as most grandparents tell you, they are special.


We put up two trees yesterday, and after putting up the one in the dining area, he decided that he liked grampy's better. Although it is bigger, it wasn't big enough for him. And, it didn't rotate, or have colored lights like mommy and daddy's tree. The one in the room that he spends most of his time in watching his movies has fiber optic lighting which is colored on the tips and changes color which he likes, especially the orange. Grandma likes the purple.


I took the sleeping Santa out of the box and set him up for Nathan to see. This is a big Santa who's belly rises and falls as he snores away, having boots on the side of his bed, and a calendar marked with a circled date, which is Christmas. He heard the sound and compared it to a truck backing up. Don't ask me...That's what he hears. As Santa snores it sounds like a whistle singing to the tune of jingle bells. Now that he's seen it, it will promptly go back in the box for another year.


I don't have to tell you how excited he is about all the Christmas festivities. We were hoping to take him to see the Clydesdale horses yesterday, but as the storm approached as the gales were coming through with the frigid cold weather, we decided to forgo that idea. He has a train that he puts together, built with blocks and runs manually, pushing it with no track, which he builds and rebuilds, (it's pretty funny looking at times). He spends a great deal of time ridding it around his room making choo choo sounds. Sometimes, he builds it backwards, and pushes it around that way. He is a master of sounds, especially airplane ones and trucks.


Lately he has been watching ice road truckers. He knows the mechanics of trucks and cars and motorcycles as those are his favorite DVD's. He was never the doll type. Yet he loves Betty Boop. You should hear him laugh, it warms you all over. What a sense of humor he has.


A typical boy of almost four, he displays a little "temper" at times. If he had his way, he'd have grandma cooking his favorite foods all day long. But when grandma says no, out comes the pout. In fact yesterday, I thought I heard him throw something at the wall. I am not a push over and so I let him know that grandma will not tolerate that kind of behaviour. "He said he was sorry." At times, he reminds me so much of his father, but the pout is definitely like his mother. Wanting to get his way is just like grandma.

I admit that I am very spoiled and loved, yet I didn't expect Nathan to say "I love you" without being told to. Nor did I expect the kiss on the cheek. It surprised me because it came from him and was sincere.

You can love someone in life and not expect to get any love in return. And, that's okay. But when love is returned or unexpected, it is the greatest of all presents. Knowing how much my grandson loves me is the best gift that I ever hope to receive from him, and I will never tire of it.

The Unexpected Surprise

Today was the day we decided to begin to decorate our home for Christmas. Not one but two trees, both totally different. We had decided to put up only one tree this year, but Nathan wanted grandma to put one up in our dining room, as well. If it were up to me, we probably would not have any. Now its not as bad as all that, it's just, well commercial. I've grown to love the real Christmas much more.

Was that the unexpected surprise, putting up our trees? No! During the week I found myself doing some cleaning and stumbled on the book which I had been faithfully reading for some time, only to discover that I had a place mark at the end, clearly indicating that I hadn't finished it. What a joy to finally do that today while Nathan watched one of his favorite movies.

All of you probably know by now that the title of the book is "Darcy's Passions," by Regina Jeffers. Early on, the acquaintance of Elizabeth and Darcy was one of question. It reads: "Each time as he swore to himself he would ignore Elizabeth, he found himself more enticed by her." He wanted to be in her presence where he could observe her, where he could listen to her conversation, and interact with her. "Darcy determined she flirted with him through the verbal assaults, and they worked remarkably."

The problem as I began to understand it, was class struggle. He came from wealth and she did not. "Yet, he found his diversion with Elizabeth Bennet to be an unanticipated pleasure." His thoughts seemed elsewhere and her flirtations of late increased in their intensity and duration. "The chaos of his mind had him hating himself for the turmoil such thoughts created." "All the old insecurities returned. Would he never be able to make her love him?" Especially hearing her say, "I hear such different accounts of you as puzzle me exceedingly..I have every reason to think ill of you..."

Darcy could force himself to be indifferent. Too late, it jumped from admiration to love and He found that he lost his taste for food, retiring early to his chambers. He lost focus and drink was his companion. "Darcy's love for her could not allow him to ignore her."

He became her "hero" because love finds a way, admiration turns to love. That is the story in a nutshell, except for the final scene on New Year's Eve, when Lizzy got sick because the men's clothing smelled of cigar smoke. She is forced to tell her husband the news of her pregnancy, not knowing if it would please him to become a father. The news is shared with the guests at the party and with the announcement of parenthood, the party took on a whole new level of enjoyment.

"God gives us blessings because of what we do for others." "You are more devout than I, but I have come to a new understanding of the infinite power of God since Elizabeth came into my life. I never knew such love of life." Then, Darcy's sister Georgiana makes this remark. "Did you know, Brother, the Greeks did not extol a man's accomplishments upon his death?" "They simply asked one question of his family and friends: did he live his life with undying passion?"

Darcy offered a toast to Elizabeth. "To my wife, Elizabeth Bennett Darcy, a woman of unexpected wit, a devotion to her family, silent courage, and strength combined with innocence and sweetness--I learned from you how to be a brother, a man, and a husband. Soon I will learn to be a father. You are the love of my life."

Real love is the light that never flickers out. It is the unexpected Surprise. This Christmas, give the gift that keeps on giving, the gift of Love.

I Wish I Were With You

"The Christmas rush is through, but I still have one wish to make
a special one for you... Merry Christmas, Darling
we're apart that's true...but I can dream and in that dream
I'm Christmasing with you...
Holiday's are joyful, there's always something new...
But everyday's a Holiday when I'm near you...

The lights on my tree, I wish you could see...
I wish it everyday...
The logs on the fire fill me with desire to see you and to say..
That I wish you Merry Christmas, Happy New Year too...
I've just one wish on this Christmas Eve,
I wish I were with you....."

This is one of my favorite Christmas songs, originally sung by Karen Carpenter.

Christmas is never the same for the lonely who, missing the one person they love and long for, are apart from them. They go through the motions, while having a great emptiness within.
Christmas is not fun for everyone, especially the military families and those who have lost loved ones.

"But I can dream and in that dream, I'm Christmasing with you..."

Karen is gone from this world. But, maybe you know someone that needs a little Christmas Cheer. "It is in giving that we hope to receive."

Dreams do come true

One young man came into this country with a dream of finding a new home. He went to a university with great expectation. It wasn't easy serving a very small, yet distinguished parish to Cantor with the priest on Sunday's, Holy days, and especially during Holy Week. His demeanor was always polite and he has always displayed an enduring spirit.

His lot was of trials and tribulations. He said his first Liturgy as a Father-Deacon yesterday along with the pastor, Father Peter. A party was given in his and his new bride's honor in the church hall. As any parent will tell you, letting go is difficult, and as a parish we now have to let him go to serve the Lord in Chicago.

The torch has been passed, and greater work is his to do. We will miss them and wish both of them all the best. It was no mistake that he was sent among parishioners who have worshiped at St. Michael's Church for at least a part of eighty-five years, because both have one thing in common, struggle. Like us, he will fall down and get up again, and learn that word which is common to all "trust in the Lord."

God will supply all his need according to "His" plan and purpose. And I believe he has his work cut out for him. So Father-Deacon Vasile and Anda be happy and God speed. Your dreams are being realized, the one's you've worked for all your life. Axios and Many Years.

Imagine being the Arch-Bishop's Deacon? What a special honor and what a special dream come true, only in America. Who would have thought it?

Beyond glue

Sure enough while talking with my mother-in-law, I knew the subject would come up. Just seems you can't avoid it. It's all over the news, radio, and Internet. So, I tried to skirt the issue. But no, she insisted to pursue dragging the guy down, and now where is this family to go without all the snickering, and gossip? Does the media care that children are involved in this mess? Marriage is supposed to be "closed doors," private, between the two of them "period." Okay, so he is renown for the athlete he is, and he has an image to uphold. We are all so shocked to learn the repeated and sordid "so called facts." There are two sides to every story and more than that meets the eye, so we ought not judge.

Obviously, there are problems that exist, that are not our business. Adultery is not a new condition but one we find even the Lord had something to say about as men put woman aside, divorcing them for sometimes younger gals. See (Luke 16:18, permanence of marriage is made the standard).

The standard does "not imply" that all marriages are made in heaven, and there is room for "compassion" as shown through the church. There is a time to let go, if it just doesn't work out. It is not a simple process, which comes with a high cost. Divorce is a separation, regardless of the reason. It is a painful experience for the entire family, and never to be taken lightly.

Statistics say that more than fifty percent of marriages fail. Sadly, many have lost their moral compass in this culture, lacking accountability to their relationship. Unresolved problems end up in distance and brokenness.

Like everything else, marriage must have a good foundation, called Truth. If it is not based on truth, you are living a lie.

It must be nourished. Without good food it will be starved off. If attention is the problem, or communication, it will be found somewhere else. Often there are many and different diversions. Preoccupation with "other things" that are more important than your spouse, may be a first sign of the impending separation.

When you were first in love you had many secrets, and couldn't wait to see each other. Just to hear his voice over the phone was special. Did it take so much work then?

Sometimes you can get it back. It all depends on how hard you both want to work at it. Other times, the trust is broken, a trust that said "I will never let you down, and I can depend on you no matter what." It must be mutual. If not, it's not the end of the world, however difficult, move on. Your life is not ended, just changed.

Dealing with the shock is another matter. There is room for forgiveness. Then, there is room for forgiveness, but. There are cases where you just can't put the pieces together again.

Open and honest communication is what's needed.

Broken people need messages of hope and comfort. Suffering is not a picnic. Think about that the next time you may want to drag someone through the mud who is already drowning in "sorrow, loneliness, and indecision. Yet, it seems you can't wait to talk about it.

Regardless of who's at fault, sometimes love and trust is lost and you just can't get it back.

Maybe he just thought he could have his cake and eat it too? I doubt it, most men who have happy marriages, do not cheat on their wives. They can't wait to share everything with them. Better we change the subject, it's Christmas after all, and for some out there it just won't be Merry, no matter how much money or youth they have.

Mary, the Mother of God, knew Her Son would be great

The Theotokos knew Her Son would be great. All mother's wonder what their baby will be like. Taken from the Orthodox Study Bible, the Angel Gabriel says in (Luke 1:31) "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and shall call His name Jesus." (35) "the Holy One who is to be born will be called the Son of God."

I found a beautiful song on YouTube.com and wanted to share the words with you. It is called Jesus-Mary Did You Know, (Clay Aiken). I hope you will find the time to look it up and listen to it.

"Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day walk on water?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will save our sons and daughters?
Did you know that your baby boy has come to make you new
this child that you delivered will soon deliver you

Mary did you know that your baby boy will give sight to a blind man?
Mary did you know that your baby boy will calm a storm with His Hand?
Did you know that your baby boy has walked where angels trod?
And when you kiss your little baby you've kissed the face of God

Mary did you know the blind will see, the deaf will hear, the dead will be raised again?
The lame will leap, the dumb will speak, the praises of the Lamb

Mary did you know that your baby boy is Lord of all creation
Mary did you know that your baby boy will one day rule the nations?

Did you know that your baby boy is Heaven's perfect Lamb and this sleeping child
your holding is the great I Am."

Many names have been given this precious child, (Isaiah 9" 2-7)"For unto us a child is born, unto us a Son is given: and the government shall be on His shoulder, and His name shall be called the Angel of Great Counsel, Wonderful, Counsellor, Mighty God, Eternal Ruler, Prince of Peace, the Father of the World to Come."

The Christmas Kontakion reveals who God says He is.

"Today the virgin comes to the cave
Where she will give birth to the Eternal Word.
Hear the glad tidings and rejoice, O universe!
With the angels and shepherds glorify Him who reveals Himself:
The eternal God, a little child!

Where there is Love there is Christmas

I am fortunate enough to be married to a shopper. We decided to take a little trip to enjoy a weekend at the ocean. This time it wasn't to walk on the beach, like all the other times we've spent in Maine this year. I dragged him to many shopping mall's in Kittery, Wells and to observe Christmas on the Southern coast of Maine. It's like stepping back in time, and the "natural beauty" is hard to describe, if you haven't seen it, you must!

The tree-lighting ceremony was to be the grandest and listed second, when compared to other Christmas events in the country. Kennebunkport, for those who haven't been there, is a lovely New England town, filled with quaint shoppes and wonderful food.

Kittery was bustling with activity of it's own. We shopped for hours, and then took lunch at "Robert's Lighthouse," which is a wonderful place, who actually had a gluten free dessert listed on their menu. I complimented the management for their service and their consideration of people who had "special" dietary concerns. They have our return business because they go the extra mile and are focused on "service."

We could see the ocean from our room which was beautifully covered by ice crystal's this morning, present from last night's storm. The white sand was white glistening snow, just like the trees and surroundings, a gift from heaven. In some ways, it was like home.

Last night was "special" as we walked home from the pub, "The Post-Road Tavern," with gale winds pouncing on weary travellers, who enjoyed the "sting" of our first fallen snow of the winter season, and who were giddy from the wine and warm from each other's company. This was to be our first taste of the wonderful Christmas season. It's people that make a place, and although the food is excellent, we feel like we know the owner and his staff personally, as they are not afraid to interact with their customers, making them feel at home.

We missed the storm going up and it was lovely until it started to "spit," a soft snow, just as we went to dinner. It had started to "stick" as we left. Fortunately, the pub is right next door and we didn't have far to go in the gale. We had the world to ourselves, a very quiet evening, with residents tucked in safely at home. Not a soul around. Then of course, it was time for football.

The ocean offers much all year long. As we woke, the sun was peaking through the curtain in the front window, and by the time we were packed, the snow was all cleaned up. Luckily, the roads were perfectly dry and the only disappointment was "the game". The Patriots game that we listened to on the radio while driving home.

I felt pampered to the max, having had much fresh seafood and lobster.

Take the time to do something "special" with someone you love, and you will find Christmas. The Seasonal Play, Scrooge, says it best, from the song "Happiness." The words --"For Happiness is whatever you want it to be."

If their is love in your heart, give it away for Christmas, for in sharing do you receive the joy.

Where is Christmas

Late Saturday I stumbled on a program in which people were receiving awards, "hero awards," and the recipients kindness struck me to tears. Their love for humanity was well, there are no words for it, genuine, and not self seeking. It wasn't done so that the honor would be bestowed upon them, for their resume, or other acclaim.

One man stood out to me, only because our church extends an opportunity once a month to the community for a "free" meal. He was driving a taxi cab in NY, and simply rolled down his window, called out to a man to ask, "are you hungry." The man replied that he was. The cab driver along with other's started a feeding program, which consisted of rice, beans and chicken to 140 people, in order that they would eat, everyday. "They would buy food if they had jobs", he said. This has become a second job for the cab driver, possibly paying for the food as well.

A man who went to Iraq to do business, is now doing the Lord's business in supplying children, some who have been carried around most of their lives, wheelchairs.

A woman in Florida is beating at doors to make sure women get their mammograms, so that they will be around for their children, unlike the five year old boy who just lost his mom.

A young teacher in Africa, who looked after women and infants who have been rape victims, teaching them how to pick up the pieces and go on with their lives.

Several years ago, I witnessed stairs on public property being replaced, (perfectly good ones) while I saw the homeless sitting close by and I thought it so wasteful when the money could have been put to better use. Last week, a sidewalk was being raised, a perfectly good one. I don't get it!

Our priorities are all messed up. We seem to care more about animals than people. Then, as I drove down-town I saw the lovely "plastic decorations" some as old as I am, and Seasons Greetings, no less. Does anyone know about Christmas anymore, except for what they want? And, where to find it?

I thought where is Christmas? Then I remembered....I never like the falseness of it all, anyway. What of the suffering people? What kind of Christmas is it going to be for them? Then, I started to remember some words.... "Come," "We have found joy in a secret place....Angels and Shepherd glorify Him, the wise men journey with a star, since for our sake the eternal God was born as little child." I will have to look up where those beautiful words came from.

Like the wise men, we need to find that joy. The joy that can be only found in a secret place. That is the message we need to give to the world, "For by it those who worshiped the stars were taught by a star to adore Thee the Sun of Righteousness, and to know Thee the Orient from on high."(Luke 1:78)

The wise men, had everything yet nothing. Chose to follow a star, once empty, then filled with the Knowledge of Him. The world needs to acquire the "wisdom" of the wise men, and find Christmas in a world that needs it. And, like our hero's give a gift of hope, and joy to those who are needy, especially this time of the year. Love is a gift that keeps on giving.

Maybe the old and tired decorations do serve a purpose after all. It is a time, a season to greet everyone with kindness and to remind us who it was that came from on high to teach us how to love, "Him" the Christ child, and our brother.

The Revelation

You hear constantly, "It's time for the revolution, and I say it's time for Revelation.

Allow me to share my past recollection of Christmas. Families would place less emphasis on the exterior decorations and more on the Church. The family visited friends and relatives during the Christmas season. Friendly greetings filled the air. Caroller's "tuned" holy songs. Churches reflected on the "birth" of Christ. And, there was room for frosty the snowman, jingle bells, and Rudolph the red nosed reindeer, here comes Santa Clause, and I saw mommy kissing Santa Clause. Silver bells, I'm dreaming of a white Christmas. Now, some churches feature Santa, with gifts. That is the only time some parents bring their children there, sadly. Talk in most homes is about "toys" and Santa, not a mention of baby Jesus.

We hear talk of revolution, because we are not allowed to say or exhibit the words "Merry Christmas."Displays which remind us of the way it should be are prohibited. Holy and reflective themes of the birth of Christ are hardly seen or heard.

Somehow we all know that we should be putting God first. Yet, for some, it is a way to lore folk into the shopping season, to fill their pockets, ca-ching. They had better be the first in line to the revolution, because if we can't say Merry Christmas, we won't shop there. The bottom line is the almighty buck. And that is their God.

Many had decorated their homes with beautiful arrangements before Thanksgiving, and now that it is December first, we will be hearing a lot more about controversial subjects pertaining to Christmas. I have no objection to the way you wish to spend your time and money on decorations, if it brings you and other's around you joy, as long as you remember why we do it in the first place.

The problem is not a new one, it began when folk allowed the changing of the name of St. Nicholas, a real person, to replace it with a character called Santa Clause. What we did was change the focus to presents for the children. Children of all ages. I love exchanging gifts, however, have we have lost sight of who and what is the gift to mankind?

While the home and neighborhoods will be flashing and all decked out, the church pews remain empty. On the 26th of December, the decorative items will be returned to storage, leaving you to feel just as empty as the container it came in. Did it matter that Merry Christmas was displayed for you to see it? Or, did it matter that someone forgot to say Merry Christmas to you, when you did not come to the stable yourself, to worship the Christ child, who is God in the flesh?

It begins with the message in your church, even if few came. While for other's their party was their priority. We are in the Revelation, or tribulation as other's refer to it. It is not a message you haven't heard before. It has to do with worshiping the Risen Lamb. The Son of God, and His celebrated birth, the first commandment, to Love Him above all else, and then your neighbor as yourself.

Acquire the "vision" of the apocalypse, (a disclosure), that has been going on since He finished His work on the cross, and by His death, and resurrection, grants you Life for eternity. His Kingdom, now and forever, is here and is your "free" gift, but you must accept it and Worship Him alone. The first gift that God gives us is "life." He will come again in Glory, but for now we Worship Him in "spirit and truth". In the end, accepting Christ will be your decision.

There is still time, after all, we are in advent. Let's allow His light to shine on us. It's a time to ponder on Jesus, our only hope. A time for joy, peace and genuine Love, a "gift" for all mankind.