Entertainment from the Cape

Tonight after our usual dinner, we thought that we'd take in some entertainment at our local pub. Watching people coming in from Cape Cod, who were following the group of four, an American Rock band, we wouldn't miss this group. Hoping to get good seats, we purchased them early, obtaining a front row table. It had to be a good band, as they charged double the normal price.

I only had one beer, so that was not the reason that I had trouble composing myself. Actually, it was the most I've ever seen my husband laugh in all the years we've been married.

Unfortunately, we were sold down the river, as both he and I didn't recognize not even "one" tune. It was so loud that our ears are still ringing. The main soloist was wearing a pink flower on his hat, dressed like the hippies from the sixties, sort of. We struggled to hear the words, stayed for over a half hour, hearing nothing but noise, we left.

Earlier at the bar, we noticed what I thought was one of the tallest girls from the back, that I had ever seen. Long blond hair, long neck, and collegiate glasses way too big for it's face. Turned out, that character was the drummer! I kept staring because of the way the woman drummer with the huge nose kept moving it's head with a continuous smile which seemed odd, and fake, somehow. It was a "stupefied" look at best. Suddenly off came the coat. I noticed the body structure, especially the muscles, and it was not girly, except for the "breasts," which were not soft looking, but resembled small, hard potatoes. She seemed pleased with her bony appearance, and displayed a note of confidence, being a fairly good drummer, but, I still think that "Ricky" was not a lady.

I've always made the statement that I like almost any kind of music. I largely retract that, and will be not recommending "that band," bizarre as it was, to anyone.

We laughed all the way home, saying, " what the hell was that?" I don't think people in this area are ready to be that casual. These are either very entertaining times that we live in, or I live a really sheltered life.

To say the very least, we were very well entertained.

EXTRAORDINARY WATER

There are so many hidden meanings in the account of the Samaritan woman, that we miss the important parts. Was it just that Jesus is showing his humanness by sitting by Jacob's well thirsting for water? Or why was it necessary for us to know that it was at the sixth hour of the day, (noon) giving reference to possibly how hot and thirsty He was at that time? Was there a reason that He didn't have anything to draw water with into the deep well, He who "gave" the well in the first place. This well required that the water needed to be "fetched," as it was not one that "sprung up." Water is a lifesaving commodity. No water, no life. Is this all about the fact that Jesus was communicating with someone who had no dealings with Jews and a woman at that? The story goes much deeper, like the well.

When you look down into a deep well, you cannot see inside, all remains hidden. Jesus looked into the well of the woman, and "saw all". He asked her for ordinary water, she asked Him for water that will become a fountain of water, springing up into "everlasting life." True life from true God.

This water that He gave her was extraordinary water in that "whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him, will never thirst." (John 4:14)

Saturday, we will hear the at the Vesper service, in the stichera that, at that same hour, (the sixth hour or noon), is the time that Eve had been driven out from Paradise, the result of the serpent's temptation. At the same time, (the sixth hour,) the Samaritan woman came to draw water, and left, having received everlasting and living water from Christ the Lord. She who once was filled with ugly vices, now leaves "chaste." Having asked for living water, and, having received, she left rejoicing and telling other's to come and "See the Lord", who is called "twice" during the Vesper service, "The fountain of Wonders."

Could this be a prefiguration of our personal encounter, with the Living God, for us to taste the extraordinary water "if we desire to", in order to have everlasting life. When, we will "Thirst No More."

The woman said to Him, "I know that the Messiah is coming" (who is called Christ). "When He comes, He will tell us all things."
"Jesus said the her, "I who speak to you am He." (John 4:26).

We are reminded in the days we celebrate Christ Risen from the dead, just as Jesus in His humanity, which was voluntarily assumed, we can in our humanness decide to "put on Christ" voluntarily participating in knowing that He is the final revelation of God, the giver of life and refreshment to all. All you need to do is come to the well and draw from the Living Water. Don't worry about not having anything to draw water with, He didn't have anything either.

reference: The Orthodox Study Bible. http://www.antiochian.org/sites (stichera)

What You See Is What You Get

Yes, another cold, blistery day is upon us and haven't we had enough of dark wintry days? Forecasters are predicting snow in some areas. Look again, for we have experienced change. The dead-looking limbs have branched out beautiful shades of red and green of various shapes, and sizes, some bearing beautiful spring flowers, like my pink-weeping-dwarf cherry tree. Color is everywhere from tulips to brilliant, yellow dandelions, and purple violets. And, finally we have grass.

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Newness of life is upon us with a change that comes as naturally as the sun shines. Life is what we perceive it to be. Some will look upon today with a negative view, remembering winter, giving them an excuse to moan all day long. Others will see it as, temporary, as spring is about them already, reflecting the love that we feel from within with it's sense of joy and hope.

A day like this, will and does affect each and everyone of us differently. It's a funny thing that we are always in a rush for good things and are inpatient to endure all things, good and bad. What is truly our lot in life, we must accept. Each day, I participate in praying for other's, by way of a listing that comes to me daily over the Internet. I am one of thousands praying for the need of many. Everyday, when I read the names and prayer requests, I am reminded that we need to be thankful for who we are and what we have.

I often look at my grandchild who is knowledgeable about the weather but never complains, focusing on other "fun things."Joy and laughter fills the home when he is here. Life is what you make it. So today, I will find some great music, funny stories, nice pictures and just maybe think of wonderful times and moments that will put a smile on my face. Maybe, I'll become creative in the kitchen, or read a classic love story, or meet with friends. Because, life is what you make it to be.

Attitude will help us weather any type of weather,...."This is the day the Lord has made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it."

And...if this doesn't help, I think of the words of my friend "This too shall pass" and my expression, "nothing lasts forever!"

Obedience, a characteristic

Sunday was a life changing moment for me, as I entered the church of St. Michael with a headcovering. Greeting us at the door as we entered, was our parish priest, who appeared surprised that his suggestion was taken seriously. I'm sure if you knew the women in that parish, you would agree that a few tongues were going to wag. Better yet, if you knew me, a very strong-willed woman, you would have bet that this change would never happen. Yet, it did, and today I am different, somehow.

I'm not accustomed to wearing a headcover, and didn't know quite how to go about it. That worked out, the night before, I went to bed dreading tomorrow was Sunday, and praying for the courage not to back out on the decision that my husband supported me on. We both agreed it would not be easy or popular.

I'm a cantor at church, which means that I couldn't hide in the back, but am positioned at the very front, outside the doors to the side. Singing the Liturgy is what I do. I have read extensively what the bible and saints of the Orthodox Church have had to say about Christian women vs pagans, and headcoverings and how important a deal it is. I knew I was inappropriately dressed, it's that nagging feeling you get inside.

Irregardless of the outcome, I must do the right thing. I was totally opposed to it at first, not understanding, but judging initially, that I was being made to be "submissive" to men. This is the furthest thing from the truth. I have an unexplainable sense of having become more of a woman. Men are distinctly masculine and the femininity of women compliment each other. (1)"Always emphasizing the equality between man and woman Chrysostom admonishes the man "not to dishonor her who governs next to thyself." It is a question of issue, which is "order" not superiority, or inferiority.

We know there is an order to the angels, St. Michael is a Captain. More honorable than the Cherubim and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim, is the Theotokos. We get to participate in her Glory and imitate her by the wearing of a head covering. The veil, or head covering is your badge of authority, your power. I felt a sense of overwhelming joy and courage (exousia), experienced as a child of God, in my ordered place, and knew somehow that the angels rejoiced. The angels, who display in their realm, the characteristic of "obedience."

Wearing a head covering is an Apostolic tradition, removal of the veil is disobedience, pure and simple. Sunday, the angels rejoiced as I showed my obedience, saying "yes" to God, Your will and not mine.

I took my rightful place in God's ordered universe, singing to Him with the voice that He created, along with the Angels, "Holy, Holy, Holy. Rejoicing, and worshiping God wearing a head covering in the presence of all, I felt beautiful and loved.

Reference: (1) www.orthodoxinfo.com/praxis miscellaneous articles

What If?

There was a multitude of invalids, blind, lame paralyzed, waiting. Hoping to be changed, healed of whatever disease plagued them. This is an area where double-basin pools known for their healing powers existed, "healing springs" curing diseases, after the stirring of the water by an angel. Everyone's heard of these healing springs and many sick, to this very day, flock to them. The first one to access the water after it's stirring, was granted a get-well wish. There among them, was the wish of a man who was "seeking" for thirty-eight years. He had time to think about whatever ailed him and was probably certain, having almost given up, that he would always be the same. "What if?" What if, he were a little more "determined" to get to the place where healing occurred? How much did he really "want" to be healed? This is one of my favorite scriptures because it says a lot about the human will. Independent, verses dependent, is what happens after healing. Healing requires work, change and self-examination. You've got to desire and fight for it, spiritually, physically and mentally. You must be determined and never, never give up.

Living at a busy pace allows us to escape the small inner voice, our conscience beckoning us at every level to examine how things need to be "different," but is that what we really want? Or, rather, is it our sinful ways that we cling to? It is a very humbling experience to be revealed as you truly are, by another, but we have to "listen" first, and that is another matter.

In the case of the gospel today, (John 5:6)The Orthodox Study Bible. Jesus was seen saying to the sick man "Do You want to be made well?" It sounds like an odd question, or perhaps, it is an interesting question. A cure usually leads to a conversion, and a righteous way of life. My guess is most people do not want to be made well, that would involve changing and they have grown accustomed to life just the way it is.

What if, Jesus granted you the grace to see yourself just once through His eyes? Your spiritual and well-being begins there in the healing pool, within, with your "desire" to learn "how am I" to be changed and healed from every infirmity known and unknown.

He is just waiting for you to ask and to say "Yes, I desire healing".

Like the multitudes, be still and listen, desire and wait for the waters of salvation to be stirred up in you, and you will be changed because your infirmity grew old and you tired of them, and chose to be healed at the pool in the water.
(Scripture reference from The Orthodox Study Bible)

Christian Attitude

Take a good look in the mirror. Is it my way or the highway? Expressions that are commonplace, because we want our own way. Husbands and wives are on equal footing, right? No, wrong. Wives want to "dominate" their husbands and control, because they are conditioned to be anything but humble. We are raised bread winner's in today's society, and it's please me, or I'm getting a divorce. I just got through listening to a country song which makes it clear by its lyrics, what we are promoting. Not in front of me, or behind me, but on the side of me. We are all equals. According to the bible can you be a Christian woman and still maintain that philosophy?
The answer is in the gospel, beginning with Genesis. Clearly, we are created men and women. We all have heard of the fall, which our priest reminds me over and over, was "due to a woman." I don't like to admit it, but little has changed since that time.
Change begins with the ability to see our mistakes. Several nights ago, the subject matter came up about wearing head covers in church, a style which has gone out long ago in this country for the most part, and should not have. Everything comes in cycles and I was surprised to learn that tradition was making it's way back. Our sister church was already practicing the wearing of a head covering while worshiping. I was appalled, thinking we're going backward. Married women are wearing black, and white, for single women. I have been contemplating this since I heard about it. Would I wear a covering on my head? I immediately said "no". Then, I decided to research it in the bible.
We are pant wearers, influenced by the feminine movement. No wonder some men leave home, they get sick of having to be their wives's slave. She-bosses, we have beat them into submission. Do we have remorse, or do we know who or what we've become? No...We are not even aware of what we have done, sadly. This social environment is so inimical to Christian values that Christian women must recognize that they cannot allow themselves to be creatures of fashion. It's time for change....
You tube is a great teacher, and I witnessed women all over the world, worshiping with head coverings as they are still in obedience to God's word, and values passed on traditionally from early Christians customs. St. Paul insists upon it, observing in obedience to what has been delivered, God given oral traditions, regardless of what is vogue outside of the church. According to numerous commentators on the epistle, an uncovered head of women in Corinth signaled a "prostitute." Head coverings should never have become "irrelevant." This church custom should never have changed. Head covering will always signify submission to churches where the Bible is read. Seen today as "sexist" or of having no particuliar significance, old-fashioned or prudish, we must adhere to the Gospel in this matter. It is a requirement of the feminine modesty, and is emblematic of womenly submission. Submission in obedience to your husband; as obedient servants of God.
(1Cor.11:13 vs.5-7)"But every woman who prays or prophesies with her head uncovered dishonors her head, for that is one and the same as if her head were shaved. (6) For if a woman is not covered, let her also be shorn. But if it is shameful for a woman to be shorn or shaved, let her be covered. (7) For a man indeed ought not to cover his head, since he is the image and glory of God; but woman is the glory of man. (8) For man is not from woman, but woman from man."
Obviously, this is not what the world has taught you. And, one final verse. (13) "Judge among yourselves. Is it proper for a woman to pray to God with her head uncovered?"
This is not going to be popular, and since I've never liked wearing anything on my head, this will be difficult. I will choose to be obedient to God's will. will you? (All references are taken from the Orthodox Study Bible).

What is Your Role?

We are fortunate to have a priest that delivers the kind of message, which you find yourself mulling over and over Sunday evening and throughout the week. When you think you've exhausted the bible passage presented on a given Sunday, like today's, there' more. I have never heard anyone preach like, Fr. Peter. He is truly gifted. The seats should be "full to overflowing". I feel blessed to be there each and every Sunday. I owe him more than I could ever repay for what I have seen through his eyes and heart.

Today, on Myrrhbearing women Sunday, the homily focused on Transition, then and now with the players, Joseph and Pilot, Mary and the other women, Peter and the other apostles.

We are taken to a cave, the first cave being where Christ was born, and last, where He was placed for burial.

First, it is was about Eve, and how we originally fell from grace by a woman, then Mary, his mother, through whom grace was restored, and the roles that the other woman played, along with Pilot and Judas, (Knowingly or unknowingly).

Then we learned of "the courage" the myrrhbearing woman displayed in going to the burial place with spices, knowing the guards were posted, and that Jesus had been convicted and sentenced to death. While the men "cowardly" hid behind locked doors, in fear. Joseph, not an apostle, led the way by asking for the body of a non-relative, of the Governor, Pilot. By removing the body of the Lord from the tree, he expressed his "desire to know Him and was seeking" salvation, believing in Him. The woman, showed that they had an inability to understand that He had risen as He said, proving "a lack of faith" as they endeavoured to anoint His body.

Peter, who would die for Christ, was now sorrowful at his "denial of Him" three times, leaving no chance to reconcile with Him.

Yet, with all this, it is a new day. The news of the angel, telling the women to go and tell the disciples, "and Peter" that Christ is Risen, and that He would see them again, in Galilee. It indicated to Peter that he was forgiven, and that all things are "New." His relationship is renewed and, he is forgiven. This is the reason Jesus came into this world, restoration and reconciliation. That He may take us unto Himself.

It is left to you standing in front of the "open door," the stone was rolled away and no longer closed to us, to reveal the Risen Christ. What do you see? What role have you been given?

In Who can You Trust?

Are we becoming a godless nation? I immediately think about the story of Jonah and the whale. Is it important that we have a national day of prayer? It isn't to me, when prayer, or a moment of silence meant literally nothing to some, as they said "they have no god". Their god is their achievement, what they can do. Their god is their money or material things that indicate just how well they have done. It's a free country, believe what you want. My God deserves better!

I remember, we placed a cross in our home as many did. How many do you see today? Where are our Christian homes? Our people, as well as our nation, has changed. Open your eyes.If you display "religious articles in your home, your children's friends will more than likely poke fun at them." It's not popular. Who are we kidding, National Prayer Day or lack of it, is something for the media to rehash, and cause the frenzy that it needs to draw ratings.

If we are not hypocrites, we must admit that one size does not fit all. The message is not the same. We used be considered a Christian nation, but no longer. If we do say we are, then why are the churches, except for the feel good ones, the ones that help you to be entertained or to worship yourself, being filled to capacity?

The time is coming when you will wish you had paid more attention to the Truth, and as the people of Nineveh, repent. The truth that acknowledges that Santa Claus is really "a true saint" that does not come down the chimney. Prioritizing Easter, the celebrated Risen Lord and Savior, Christ Jesus, over the Easter bunny.

The problem is not that we failed to be a nation under god, but "in God do we trust". Unless you place your Trust in Him, you will have more to worry about than if we are a nation under God. A nation under God, would be centered around "Life, Love, and Liberty." That should teach you a lesson about history, where we are, and where we are headed.

Pardon the pun, but the only true justice, comes from "Him" alone. Do we really need lawmakers to tell us how to live a life of prayer? Or, for that matter, do we really need a national prayer day? Real prayer is deep and constant and it's a "relationship" that bonds us between the creator and is in reach of all humanity without constraint or permission.

If we stop long enough to see the reality of this, the people fighting over trivial things, "miss the collective opportunity" to do something constructive with the "real issues" that we need to be focusing on like hunger, abortion, and poverty. Try getting your butts to church on Sunday, the Lord's day. Will it be Christmas to me if it is not on the calender? Or if I do not have a gift to exchange? What do you think???

The Aliens Are Back

I knew that would get your attention. Alien to us here in the North East for a spell and returning in the springtime with the acceleration of growth everywhere, is the "infectious pollen" that has many folk around here sick.

The degree that one suffers is minimally to "off the wall". If you have no more than a runny nose, itchy eyes, ears and throat and an occasional sneeze, your one of the lucky ones.

Others with more sensitivity, also suffer from bronchial discomforts, and asthma. The poisonous result of having entered into your body, is that you feel flu-like or as some may say, "I don't know if this is a cold or allergy symptoms." The difference is, that most do not have a fever with allergy. People may get an itchy throat, plugged-up ears, and a nasty cough, which can sound like a bronco cough. Forget sleeping at night!

Hay fever allergies must run their seasonal course. My sensitives are to grass pollens and tree pollens, mostly maple. It seems that's all we have around here too. I really notice the onslaught of these alien substances when the debris on the ground, having fallen from their source above. I get to stay indoors with the windows closed, or, if I do go out, I must use air conditioning, or wear a mask. Rainy days I like best, washing down the alien substances from the air to the ground.

Not all days are alike, and wind does make a difference. We observe pollen counts currently available on local weather stations, and plan accordingly.

Just when I was looking forward to being outdoors in the sun, which after a long winter, I sorely need, I will be forced to stay inside until the new leaves have grown in.

So what does it feel like to have springtime allergies? The worse hangover you'll ever have without having the reason for the hangover, while you cough your brains out, constantly. Once the offending substance has entered your body, it usually takes ten days or more to recuperate from the intrusion.

Best remedy is to avoid the alien substances in the first place.

Today, I plan to do more sewing, having done nine panels of curtains, I've got one more to go. Occasionally, I'll peek out of my window to get a peek at the beautiful things that mother nature is doing out there. It sure is getting colorful after a long, drab winter and I can't wait until I can finally get outdoors and enjoy it all. Yesterday, I saw a beautiful red cardinal on my dwarf Japanese Red Maple tree.

I'm still waiting for the wrens to arrive, perhaps today!

By The Power of the CROSS

The Mystical Journey began when I was in my early thirty's. Within three years my life changed entirely. It started when I purchased, with my birthday money, a "budded cross" which I just had to have at a nearby shrine. I loved the simple wooden appearance and wondered what the significance was of the special design. I placed it in my kitchen, not realizing that it was the "first" step.

A series of events found me praying in desperation, at St. Hedwig's Church in front of an Icon, which at that time, was foreign to me. I needed divine intervention. That prayer was answered, within a week and in a violent upheaval of my life. Later, I saw how necessary it was and how unexpected God's way is, not the way I envisioned the answer to come at all. He knew that I lacked the courage to do what had to be done, and He was determined to change my life and save me, quickly.

The long and short of this story is that it led me to meet a new priest and his family in another religion, in the Orthodox Church. Having been raised a strict Catholic, it was not something that I would have done without divine grace. But low and behold, upon entering that church, when I looked up, there was the "budded" cross. I felt like I had come home.

God does not abandon us in time of need or in time of trouble. He gives us clues, helpers, and sometimes not even ones we would have expected or know. The pieces fell into place, one after the other. All I had to do is trust.

Someone asked me what did Jesus accomplish for His people, leaving one little word out of my blog, a couple of days ago. It was not done intentionally, but as I was pondering what I would say, it just seemed that the answer was enormous, leaving me to not know where to begin. Then, I thought of the cross. Most movies that I've seen, show Jesus looking up, nailed to the cross, saying these words. (Luke 23:34)"Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do."

That's an understatement I thought, but forgiveness is a great place to begin. A loving Father, came to forgive His children, because He loves them that much and wants us to be with Him for all eternity. That's where we all need to begin.

Giving it another moments thought, that is exactly were we began this entire journey of Lent, "Forgiveness Sunday."

Maybe we should say that more often.

(scripture references are from: The Orthodox Study Bible)

Do not persist in your unbelief but believe.

I recently read where a lawyer who had to "prove" the case for Jesus' resurrection from the dead, did so by piecing the events and concluded that He indeed had risen. This Atheist became Christian, without a doubt. I wondered why he didn't focus on the Resurrection of Jesus' friend Lazarus. There was no doubt that Lazarus, dead for four days, and stinking in the tomb, wrapped, was truly dead. No one is left to the conclusion of perhaps, a coma, or in today's society someone that could have been resuscitated. Of course, great as this story was, Lazarus did not resurrect himself.

Jesus shows his ability to raise the dead. He foretold of His death and resurrection before it actually happened, in order that his followers may be believe. Yet, there was doubt...The first is Mary Magdalene (John 20:2) "They have taken away the Lord out of the tomb, and we do not know where they have laid Him." We do not have to look far to answer the question, who rolled back the stone, nor do we have any concern about the guards as our "Resurrectional Hymn" tells us, they became as dead men, fearing the angel. Going to Matthew's gospel (28:1-20) we get a full account.

Ordinary men could not have caused the earthquake, a descending Angel of the Lord, moved the stone. The scene is of lightning, and his clothing raiment was as "white as snow." Mary was comforted by the telling of the angel, "Do not be afraid." "Come see the place where He lay." "Then go quickly and tell his disciples that he has risen from the dead, and behold, he is going before you to Galilee; there you will see him."

Now Peter, known to be bold of character entered the tomb, finding the burial clothes, and the folded napkin. Would anyone steeling a body, take the time to fold a napkin and place it apart from the grave clothes? A well-known tradition about the napkin at a master's table is that until it was wadded up and thrown to the middle of the table, the meal had not yet concluded. The folded napkin was used to wash the fingers, mouth and beard before wadding it up. Finding the folded napkin confirmed that the body was not stolen, as Mary first believed, the folded napkin does have further significance. What is believed to be the hidden message of the handkerchief, napkin, face-cloth, or towel, or whatever the preferred term is? The folded napkin is thought to have meant that He, the Master, is not done and is coming back. We will see Him again.

The guards went into the city and told the chief priests what had taken place and they assembled with the elders and counsel. They gave money to the soldiers and in an effort to protect the governor's ears, said: "Tell people, 'His disciples came by night and stole Him away while we were asleep.'

Like, Judas, the soldiers for money, became traitors.

But, do not persist in your unbelief, for a doubting Thomas, was invited by the Risen Lord to place his hands in the wounds, and side of our Saviour, a body not snatched, but risen from the dead. The evidence for all time and generations to come, prove the existence of the Risen Lord.

(References: from the Orthodox Study Bible.)

GOD IS THE LORD

The Book was closed on Pascha/Easter, with the words "it is finished." Jesus, Christ the Lord, accomplished for His chosen people, by His death and resurrection, and having been found risen, we are to believe.

Yet, He knew it wouldn't be that simple, people are still in a state of disbelief. Evidence is not lacking as we see in (John 20:26-27), and it is the confirmation that future seekers find conclusive. Thomas, places his hand into His side. The most powerful statement yet, was "My Lord and My God." Others have difficulty understanding the Triune God. As it says in (John 10:30) "The Father and I are one" (John 10:38)"You may know and believe that the Father is in Me, and I in Him."

We are certain that in this revelation, we are to believe that our Lord and God does not leave any ends unattended to. He knows that a generation of people will be unbelievers, having need of further proof. Thomas today, offered that for us.

The Holy Service book was closed, but the scriptures reveal other truths about our Lord and God and Savior, Jesus the Christ.

The tomb was empty and (John 20:07) "and the handkerchief that had been around His head, not lying with the linen cloths, but folded together in a place by itself." Must have been significant to Simon Peter, or it would not have been mentioned in the gospel.

That may be a story for another day, yes, there is more....but for today, it says to me that God is always reaching out to the unbeliever to believe in the greatest story ever told, The Resurrection. God is the Lord and has revealed Himself to us. Blessed is he that believes without having seen.

Anticipation

I'm trying to recall what family member introduced me to the word "anticipation." There are certain words that are vital to existence and anticipation is one of them, we've all learned sometimes the hard way.

If you are a mother, then you understand that anticipation may mean, preparing the food in anticipation of a screaming, hungry baby. Timing is everything, allowing for heating and cooling. Some children unfortunately do not have wise parents and all must participate in the end result, unpleasantness.

Anticipation usually prevents the unpleasantness that can result in something that was not thought out well. When I was in sales, meetings would be held to review changes in anticipation of any possible problem solving need involved with introducing the smallest implementation of an idea. This fact-finding method was utilized to squash any situation that may have resulted in failure. Sometimes it was the smallest thing someone forgot which would have had a negative impact on that endeavor.

While it is true that you cannot anticipate all possible negative interactions, generally you can catch a few, saving time and embarrassment and ill feelings that are usually the result of something done last minute and not thought out.

I attended a meeting recently and suggested that we implement this action called, anticipating problems. I was shot down pretty quickly by someone who had the idea that we should just delve into it then, correct anything that may have gone wrong after the fact. I don't agree with that theory. That's the kind of action you take when you don't have time to analyze. Quick action sometimes is necessary to save then you deal with the problems. Doing it that way, the hard way, does not allow for cost savings, and perhaps will end up "costing you," in more than one way.

Avoid egg on your face, anticipate. Mull over, be a clear thinking person, invite others to help, and use the brain that God gave you. I am so grateful for that person who taught me to anticipate. I wish that I could correct my impulsive behavior at times, yet, that isn't as bad as a procrastinator. A procrastinator is a person who doesn't know what it is like to anticipate, and "almost always" finds themselves close to the failure that they do not deserve, just because they haven't learned a simple method of anticipation, and just toss it out there, come what may.

In the future, if you want better result, anticipate.

Emmmm! A piece of chocolate bunny and life is good.

It's the little joys that make life so much fun. Like my friend Linda, I thought of doing more spring cleaning today. It is conditioning pure and simple. Our culture taught us to be cleaning freaks. The sun comes out and bingo, we begin. The power of suggestion kicks in. Must take care of it all, and all at once, the yard, basement, garage and don't forget the living space.

Year after year, it is the same old story, renew and if your like me, you "desire change". One year, when I was in my twenties, I even changed rooms around. Now, aging has its way with me. Its sort of "look but don't touch." Ambitious I am, but not for being indoors. I want to be outside.

Shopping and eating out is what I ended up doing. My little grandson wanted to go toy shopping to see all the trucks. Just watching his expressions and they way he gets so excited is fun to me. No, we didn't go to see the planes today, maybe next time. Instead, we are playing with monster trucks.

But, we did get around to opening the big chocolate bunny that was within his reach, already. My he is growing up so fast. He had the ears, the best part, and I had a little of the head. When I washed the chocolate off his face and hands, I remarked, that as a big brother, he'll have to teach his little brother how to eat chocolate. Of course, we all like chocolate. It does something to our state of mind, and it is also good for you in moderation.

The spring cleaning can wait until summer, as far as I'm concerned. I'm experienced, ---having spent a lifetime doing that. Eating chocolate with my grandson, is what I've spent a lifetime waiting for.

When spring finally comes, we want to do everything all at once. Let's see, there is looking forward to picnics, and digging holes in the yard with the big trucks, playing ball, swinging, and ice cream at Dresser Hill. And, possibly riding bikes.

Then, not too long after that, we will be looking forward to meeting his "new baby brother". Emmmmm! Chocolate bunny and life is good.

IF YOU LOVE ME, PROVE IT

Everyone that knows me, also knows that I am a bottom line person. This week, is bright week, and like a light-bulb and reading over 600 pages of scripture and readings from the The Services for Holy Week and Easter, the dawn comes. If it not, something is wrong. I left you hanging from the last blog saying that we'd be hearing about Mary, the one who lovingly prepared Jesus for his death and burial. So in this blog, I will try to fill you in...you don't want to be shut-out from the kingdom when the bridegroom comes. This story is a love story right from the beginning, where the bridegroom prepared for his bride.

Job, a man acquainted with grief, confronts the Lord asking why? The same question Mary the Mother of God, asks at the foot of the cross. The Lord questions Job saying, "Where were you when I...." Job is made to understand that: "I did not understand, things too wonderful for me, which I did not know." Simply, we have no idea what God has in store for us. We are deserving of all that is upon us, and only through God's mercy are we saved, delivered from, and protected by a loving God. After the Lord showed Job, he replied, "but now my eyes sees Thee," Job remarks, "I know that Thou canst do all things, and that no purpose of Thine can be thwarted." (book of Job 38:1-21, 42:1-5)

We are but potter's clay in the Hands of the Master. "For He Himself knows well how we were formed: remember, we are only made of dust. A man! His days resemble grass: as a flower of the field, so shall he bloom. But let a breeze pass over him and he is gone, and never shall he know his place again." (psalm 102)

We read in the letter of the Holy Apostle Paul to the Romans. (6:3-11)"Brethren, do you not know that all of us who have been baptized in Christ Jesus were baptized into his death? We were buried therefore with Him by baptism into death, so that as Christ was raised from the dead by the glory of the Father, we too might walk in newness of life. For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like His" "But if we have died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him.

The women went to the tomb to anoint Him. They saw the stone rolled back and and angel addressed, Mary Magdalene, and Mary the mother of James and Salome. "Do not be amazed; you seek Jesus of Nazareth, who was crucified. He has risen," they then were instructed to go and tell the disciples.

Now about Mary, we find her standing outside the tomb, broken hearted, she stooped down and looked into the tomb. She saw two angels in white sitting one at the head and feet where Jesus had lain. Later in the same gospel passage we read. "Jesus said to her, "Woman, why are you weeping? Whom are you seeking?" "She turned and said to Him, Rabboni!" (which is to say Teacher)." Mary recognized "my Lord," Taken from John 20:11-18 This passage makes clear His love for the women who otherwise were known as the myrrh-bearers, but especially, Mary Magdalene who washed His feet with her tears. "Mary Magdalene is the first to see the risen Christ and becomes "the apostle to the Apostles."

"why"?
(The 12th Antipon).
"Thus says the Lord to His countrymen: "My people, what have I done to you or how have I disturbed you? I gave light to your blind; your lepers I cleansed; a bedridden man I raised up. My people, what have I done for you, and how have you repaid Me? In place of the manna you gave Me gall; instead of water, vinegar; instead of loving Me you nailed Me to the Cross. No longer then can I endure. I will summon to Me the nations and they will glorify Me, together with the Father, and the Spirit. And to them will grant eternal life."

Taken from the service book for Easter Sunday:
"Christ our Savior annulled the writ of our iniquities by nailing it to the Cross, and abolished the sway of death. We worship His Resurrection on the third day. Let us join in the archangels in singing of Christ's resurrection; for He is the Redeemer and Savior of our souls. In fearsome glory and sovereign might. He will come again to judge the world He shaped."

Truly and indeed the Lord is risen!

(John 15:13) "Greater love has no one than this, than to lay down one's life for his friends."
(John 3:16)"For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
Christ is Risen from the dead! Glory to You, O Lord, glory to You.