Halloween from the perspective of a two-year-old

My two grandsons came to visit grandma and grampy tonight, on Halloween. We waited all week in anticipation of how they would dress. So in walks a little monkey, (good choice mom). He was so cute, tail curled up in back and came with a fake banana sewed to his pocket. The older brother, is clever enough to craft his own costume, and it had glow in the dark features. He came as a red PEZ dispenser. We had two shopping bags full for the tricksters. We were the treaters. Large pops, tootsie rolls, orange pumpkin marshmallows, snack size packages of pretzels and of course, their favorite homemade chocolate-chip cookies. Little monkey and PEZ brother, walked around the familiar rooms, then came the small voice. Instead of saying trick or treat, he said, "Bunny" (his code word for white chocolate). His brother said, "no your not a bunny, your a monkey." He wasted no time in letting me know that he knew just why he'd come. He was here for the "bunny." He knows grandma has some set aside just for him. A word he learned at Easter, when he found all the goodies his mom left on the table. He loves white chocolate chips and often he is rewarded with them for good behavior. Apparently, he associated the white bunny chocolate with anything that is white chocolate--thus bunny. There was no "trick or treat" just bunny. He wanted a bite of everything in the bag, forgetting about the white chocolate. It's got to be tough for parents. They got the rest of the cookies to munch on. The older brother liked his book, which we knew, being a bookworm that likes to read, he would be more inclined to it than candy. I'll be looking forward to the pictures on the internet as his mom is so good about sharing happy times with all our family and friends. That's okay little sweetheart, grandma knows what bunny means...You are a little heart stealer monkey. You and your big brother are so much fun! I wonder how much interest that little money had in his new coloring book?

Everyone Likes a Good Story

Everyone likes a good story and Friday night, we heard one from the past, and still present, as the storyteller recited her old tale. The heritage or tribe she came from in Vermont, took on the tone and form only familiar to me as that of having been associated with movies that I watched growing up. She had long black straight hair, was thin, average height, wore a soft brown hat and spoke with the accent of her ancestors in English. She described how life began from the earth as told to her,  past down through the ages, in the form of a character with an odd name. The story included the birds of the air, animals, even maple trees, and all life. She even had a song-- a lullaby composed for an infant, and led a special dance of friendship, while singing a repetitious song in her native language. All things are created to compliment and help each other on earth and everything has its own value. Her story pleaded a need always to coexist peacefully. Animals and plant life lived to serve us gladly. I quickly could see that love, unity and goodness surrounded a people who were wrongly called savage, by some. The words that I heard were of "thankfulness". She was respectful and thankful for all things that came to her and believed that all were given in a spirit of cooperation and goodwill for her existance. Maybe we could learn from people who have such stories, and not just be entertained by hearing them.

The Debate is Over

The Christian debators were asked what their stance was on the subject of life, in accordance to the dictates of their Catholic faith. While the Romney running mate stressed the party's and his position in favor of life, the opposition, although stating he favored life, would not "interfere" in the decision-making of those who did not support his view. He also denied the HHS Mandate, which was debated today, by the (USCCB), who have previously resorted to, and are in the process of legal action. Laws are written for our protection, and the Romney campaign certainly understood the concern for and were in favor of the termination of life in special cases. Does anyone have any interest in speaking for the "unborn"? Where is their law,-- rights? It is sad that we have come to "If I say it is not so, it is not so". Or, believe it because I said it, even if it is untrue. People have grown so accustomed to hearing falsehood, they don't even recognize lies when they hear it. We are living in a strange world, where truth and honor mean little or nothing at all, even to some of the debators.

The Great Distraction

Wearing a garment to cover the head of a woman keeps a man from being tempted to look upon her instead of worshiping as fully as he should in church. Especially a beautiful woman, it's only natural. A child also can absorb the attention necessary for focus and distracts from worshiping God as one should. It is necessary to provide an atmosphere that is not disruptive to insure good communication, as well. And when studying, it is advised that distractions be removed in order to fully concentrate on the subject matter. What happened last night was no accident. It was a ploy to divert ones attention from what was supposed to be a balanced and serious debate about the issues concerning our nation and in obtaining information, to help make a responsible decision. Regardless of the rudeness, we are aware of what is happening in this great nation and that is no joke. Last week while watching a talk show, I heard someone say, if your making $40-$47 thousand dollars a year, you may as well quit your job and get in line. People in line do not have to endure travelling expensives that make your paycheck so not worth it that people want to be unemployed. When is it wrong in this country to make a living? Is success just defined by barely getting by--a roof over your head and food on the table. Some do not have that much. Get real....it is not a funny matter. What happened at the debate last night goes beyond rudness, it was an intentional act designed for the silencing of the only solution for the hope of this country, beginning with a sound energy policy and truthful awareness of the events which do foster growth and safety in our country. Jobs allow people to spend the money that makes for a good economy. And, from employment does the government (that the "people" elect to do our bidding) get the tax money for necessary expenditures. It is the "solution" to the problem, and we are eager to work together to get back "on track" for the sake, if nothing else, of our children and their children. We are aware that we clearly have been moving in the wrong direction. Finally, we know what happens to the joker. He clearly becomes a loser. Time to stop clowning around and get serious berfore it's too late for all of us.

All Time Decline in Religious Affiliation

A decline in Religion. Why is this being brought to our attention today? This is not new news but it certainly will make a huge difference on the way people live, vote, and ultimately how our country will be run. Yesterday, I endured surgery in which I credit the doctor for being able to do the impossible, removing a fractured tooth from the back of my small mouth. One hour later after using many different instruments removing splinters, and then rebuilding the bone with a cow bone and pig membrane, I was thankful that the ordeal was over. I said the "Jesus" prayer over and over quietly. The tooth was discovered when I went for a routine cleaning, and because it had a root canal previously, the infection which was present, was unknown. In other words, there was no visible sign, and no pain. It is like that with faith. Just because you cannot see "Jesus" doesn't mean he isn't there. Last night,I dreamnt that a huge snake was at my feet, showing me his fangs and spiked tale. I was reclined in a chair and he was beneath. It was made known that he was not to touch me, although he wanted to. He did scare the living out of me. I finally picked him up and flung him away. The entire time, I recall saying the Jesus Prayer once again, in my sleep. Waking up, I was thankful that this was not reality. If your wondering, if perhaps, it was the meds that I was on, it was not, as I didn't take anything, not even Advil. I am convinced that the Lord watches over those who know, love and serve Him. Especially, through the prayers of others. Some people do not believe the bible either, but if you look you will see that in Hebrews 13:5 it says, "I will never leave you nor forsake you." As far as Americans that have no religious affiliation, I wonder, what do you do when mankind's promises fall short and you cannot answer those questions that go beyond, like where will your soul go after this life? Matthew makes clear what is going on today, In Chapter 24 verse 12 "And because lawlessness will abound, the love of many will grow cold." Again, the scripture makes it clear if you fail to find Christ in your heart, haboring lawlessness-- Matthew 7:23 "And then I will declare to then, 'I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!" Deuteronomy Chapter 31 verse 6 "Be valiant and strong, do not fear nor be afraid of them, nor be terrified before them; for the Lord your God, He is the One who goes before you and with you and among you. He will not leave you nor forsake you." If you do not know Him, could it be your still searching? In this time of predicted apostasy,find an Apostolic Church, unbroken in belief for some two thousand years. They know the bible taking credit for its source, and strive to live according to God's plan. The One they very much love and believe in. Come and see why. (All scripture references are taken from the Orthodox Study Bible)