CHRIST HAS RISEN FROM THE DEAD

Today is a day of praise because Christ has risen from the dead. We have already begun our celebration and today we will gather with our family, and church to rejoice.

One of the questions I had since my youth, was how can you celebrate when your not happy. When your life is filled with suffering? How do you go through the motions knowing that there seems to be no visible change for you personally. Maybe someday the answer would come. But, for many years it was Why? The victory is won, so many do not believe because there seems to be no victory for them, yet. (One of my grandsons favorite words, yet). Or another way to say it in modern terms "What's in it for me?" You cannot feel the joy in that state. Yet, this is not about feeling. This is about fact. What does circumstance or emotion have to do with it? Can your feelings alter the truth? Just as Pilot says, "What is Truth?" The truth is that faith is required to understand the whole picture. This is history, and it did happen. No one else will ever be required to accomplish what Jesus did for us. It is finished. It is the greatest event that ever was or will be, period.

We are living in a time of uneasiness and fear. If you are sick, or if your circumstances are such that all you see is your own pain, then pray to God and He will show you someone else's suffering. It may be because of your actions or in actions. Provisions have made for wholeness through confession and through prayer and attentiveness, and sometimes, bitter tears.

The truth is that God manifests Himself in others to allow you to see Him through "circumstances." He allows pain and suffering for your own growth and benefit. No one would die on a cross, unless they loved you. He told his disciples to "observe all that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, to the close of the age." God sees and allows your struggles sometimes to uplift and help others, for their spiritual growth or need. God will strengthen all of us in our journey if we ask Him to help us carry our cross. Your situation may not change, neither did His. But He overcame the world, and carried His cross, choosing it, joyfully, for us.

This knowledge, irregardless of present circumstances, should bring about a peace that passes all understanding in an imperfect world. Rise above it! That peace is the message of the Risen Christ's Victory that must begin with you. It is the reality that you can cling to, hope for, and believe in. It will cost you nothing, yet, you will gain everything, forever.

If you attended the services clearly you heard the message, not as the world gives it, or understands it. If no matter what, you have love for one another and that love were spread around, just think of how beautiful and peaceful His kingdom would be here on earth.

Yes, peace begins with you. Do you have the peace within you of the Risen Christ? Has he Risen in your heart, yet?

All references were taken from the Holy Week and Easter Orthodox Service Book.

WHAT IS THE PRICE OF LOVE

What is the price, that is the question. What is the price for love as everything has it's price. This week has been intense. It is our holy week and a week to do some "soul searching." The scripture examines this question, "what is the price."

A question posed by Judas to the lawless men, "what will you give me to turn Him over to you to be crucified?" The wily Judas, possessed by the love of money, sold out the priceless one for thirty pieces, becoming alien from grace, then hanged himself. The Harlot, giving the gift of perfume and of repentance by weeping and wiping His feet with her hair. The Noble Joseph (the Arimathean), aided by Nicodemus, lowered You from the Cross, O Christ and wrapped Your body in clean muslin with fragrant spices and laid it in his own new tomb, which he had hewn in the rock. The women disciples mixed spices with their tears giving of their sorrow. The angels gave their message saying "The time of the lamentation is over. Do not weep, but proclaim the resurrection of the Apostles."
His ever virgin mother Mary, shed her hot tears, crying out in anguish, bearing her pierced heart. She gave her only begotten son.

This is an important fact often overlooked by many. "The elders gave to the soldiers a sum of money and said, "Tell people, 'His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep,' "and this story has been spread among the Jews to this day."

Lastly, the eleven disciples went to Galilee, and when they saw Him they gave Him their worship. Jesus told them, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you;"

So I ask you once again, as everything has a price. What will be the price for you and how do you fit into this picture.

Jesus paid the ultimate price for love. No one was ever abused or humiliated more. His price for you was death.

He gave up everything for you, as love requires. What have you done for Him lately? The feast of the joyous Resurrection is tonight. Will you be there?
All references were taken from the Holy Week and Easter Orthodox Service Book.

Having a Crush

It is funny that you can be attracted to someone at any age but it's cutest when little children find their special friends. I learned not too long ago that even a three year old can have special feelings for a girl. That is the case with my grandson Nathan. As we have conversations often I asked him about her and he said that Ava was prettier than mommy. So I said what color is her hair. His reply, black. She has impressed him with her time outs. That means that he likes the naughty type? Or, it could mean that she is a strong woman to be. He said she plays with trucks. Maybe that's not too unusual today, but it's odd to me. Then I asked him what color are her eyes? Every one notices their eye color. So did he. He thought for a moment and then said, "orange". Okay. I said, changing the subject, maybe he just doesn't want to talk about her right now.

Kids can be quite entertaining. I've also learned that men like woman who are most like their own mothers. His mother, by the way is a blonde and so is he.

A Serious Side

It's a wonder that anyone would want to read my post because for the most part my writings reveal a woman who has a very serious nature. No, I wasn't the firstborn, certainly not the last, as they are the funny ones. I don't know if it was my birth rank, or just how I was to be in life, but I do know I always tended to be all business. I'm probably not a lot of fun to be with as I tend to be studious and accommodating. All that is going to change today, as this is according to the radio, a day to laugh out loud.

It is said that things will go well for you if you know how to laugh. My dad used to say silly things and he'd make me laugh. My mom tried to tell jokes, and she was pretty good at it. I never was. I always admired a person who could not take life so seriously and felt at ease, finding humor in all things. That's the kind of person I like to hang out with. As our radio host suggested today in these times we all need more laughter.

Even Bob Hope's jokes were not funny to me. I think laughter is great medicine. So, in keeping with the day, I'm trying to think of something that was funny recently. I'll let you know if I can think of any, but in the meantime here's a cute story.

Nathan has a very fine sandbox at his house, needs work, but, I'm sure after his dad gets done working on the lawn he'll find time to clean it up so that Nathan can enjoy playing in the dirt. That was one of my favorite things to do as a child. I recall my mom would tie us up with a rope, (today they have harnesses) and we'd play in the dirt, making mud pies. Currently in our backyard we do not have a sandbox, but under what was a clothesline, in which the dirt is topsoil mostly, he likes to play with his huge trucks. He has a cement mixer and he gathers little stones to listen to as it goes around. He made a road with the equipment and then brought little trucks and cars to drive on the road. Then he used some stones and dirt and created a house nearby the road. Clever for three. All you need is something to dig with and of course, dirt. So much for spending tons of money on non-essential sandboxes. I heard him making his truck noises which are so entertaining. Then, he surprised me when I heard him sing. He has the most incredible voice. It wasn't the words, which he made up, but it was a tune. Not a baby song. When he got tired, after an hour or so, he and I sat on the swing, which we have done since he was born. He loves to be outdoors and the swing is his favorite activity. This time I had my radio outside and he just listened and was so content. Then he snuggled up to me, it was time for a nap. So I suggested that grandma was getting cold and needed to go inside. No fuss, along he came, mud and all. The sun was bright but the wind was growing fierce and made it seem cooler.

Going in, there were muddy tracks, so we quickly sat on the rug and removed the sneakers. Now Nathan is a big boy and it was time for the potty. No he doesn't want to use the baby potty because daddy uses the toilet. Nathan wanting to show grandma what a big boy does, grabbed the footstool and placed it in front of the toilet bowl, lifting up the seat, stepped up to the occasion. One hand holding the curtain in the process. I started to laugh. No one else would be able to get away with holding and wrinkling grandma's curtain. He is so proud of all his accomplishments. And so am I.

I enjoyed making him his favorite meat loaf with (trees) broccoli and sweet potato and tomatoes. He wasn't as accepting with the oatmeal and raisin cookie, but grandma knows it is better for him. A great snack with warmed chocolate milk, especially coming in from outside on a cool day.

I enjoyed his little stories about the Easter Bunny coming to visit with eggs. We had our usual time of conversation in the living room, where I reminded him that when mommy and daddy ask him to pickup the crumbs from the floor, it's so the ants don't come in to eat them. He doesn't like bugs too much, but worms are okay. He says he and his friend play with them at daycare. They are okay because the birds eat them. And the fly, well this time he understood that it came to play trucks with him. He is so well behaved at my house. But there again, he gets all the attention that he needs being the only child.

Grandma was very busy yesterday, lugging toys around, and cleaning up after muddy shoes. I noticed that when Nathan was told that his dad was coming to pick him up, knowing that Uncle Steve needed a ride to the garage where his truck was being serviced, he couldn't wait to get his shoes on and his coat. He likes to help others as he helps grandma all the time.

Grampy was disappointed that he didn't get to see him as he had to leave before he got home. His job was to go out and bring in all the toys we brought out to play with that day. (Grandfathers are very special people). He noticed the house that Nate built and was amused by the cleverness of the work of a three-year-old. I can see him grinning now!

This is holy week for us, so we will not have our family dinner tonight as the church service begins at 7PM. Called "The Bridegroom service." It is where we are reminded about our filthy rags and our need to constantly be aware of our relationships. And, first on that list is our relationship with our Creator.

One of my favorite Hymns featured tonight is: The Hymn of Kassiane, which has beautiful words, and comes from the Service Book of Holy Week and Easter, it concludes by saying the following:
"Eve heard those footfalls in the twilight in Paradise, and hid herself in fear. Who can fathom the magnitude of my transgressions, or the depths of Your judgments, my soul's Savior? In Your boundless mercy, do not reject me Your handmaid."

As you become older you can look back and see the change that has occurred in you as a person. Love does that. You can see the change in a person who was hard, despondent, often acting out and now softened. Love does that. There is no accounting for the transition except for love. You can see it in his or (her) face, and there is a softness toward you, no matter what your actions. "The unconditional love", is noted in one who is quick to forgive and overlooks faults, does not seek revenge, nor does show anger. Yet, possesses a great deal of patience toward someone else, while bearing their burdens.

Years ago, I would have been steaming mad at the mud, and messes that my kids made, magnified by all of the the other problems in my life, but, now I see that it doesn't matter. It was as in the movie I just saw on television, where Charlton Heston, who was enraged, realized that the person who gave him water, was the same person who was crucified for him. And that is Love. In the story his mother and sister are healed from leprosy and he has had a sword removed from his hand. Having peace finally in his heart he can now learn to love the maidservant who Loves him. All great miracles.

In the end, in God's great mercy, does He really care about all the mud? Someone willing to die so that you can live, would care little about the mud. But would care a whole lot about you. Now that's love. And, love sort of grows on you.

How Deep Is Your Love

Today I heard that those who admit to be Christian are on the decline here in America. The news means to me that the hearts of many have grown cold, the true meaning of love has become distorted and dimmed.

Today you will hear one of two messages. If your celebrating Palm Sunday, then Lazarus was raised from the dead, confirming our general and last Resurrection, and in recognition of the belief that Jesus is the Son of God, we sing Hosanna in the Highest, while palms are being waved.

Maybe it is Easter Sunday that your celebrating, when we proclaim that Jesus has risen from the dead, trampling down death by his death.
This is the greatest sign of Love, when a person gives his life for another. That was the reason Jesus came into the world, so by His death we can live. It is not about Easter colored eggs and the Easter bunny.

A person must be willing to give of themselves for the sake of another in order to experience love. The problem for many is that self gets in the way. You cannot be a Christian and not love your brother. This generation unfortunately is the me, myself and I one. Everything is self-serving. That is how you know you are a Christian, if you can find it in your heart to love someone other than yourself, and realize that this is not of your own doing, but the Love of God dwelling within you. You will be judged by h0w well you loved someone else. Simply, God is Love. Love is the only ticket, open your eyes to the truth. It is the only thing that matters in the end, and the only thing you can take with you.

We took a course not too long ago which suggested that if you love you will be crucified. That cross that you carry as a result of loving someone else, will enlighten you as to what love is. Then you will know who God is. People need to step out of the box of themselves to learn about the mystery of Love.

Jesus waited, knowingly four days to raise his friend Lazarus from the state of death. He commanded him to come forth from the darkness because God is Light, and darkness is overcome by light. He ordered that he be fed, so we would understand that he is not a ghost. Jesus witnessed the pain of separation, when one of his sisters reminded Him if He had been there her brother would not have died. Separation from a loved one is great pain and you experience a helplessness in which there is no comfort. This pain stems from "loving someone" and of which Jesus understood having had been cut-off from His creation since the time of Adam and Eve. This pain would be felt by His own mother, after His death. In many ways you cannot love deeply until you experience these things, especially the death or separation from someone you love, irregardless of the reason.
Jesus raised Lazarus to life, because He is the Life. That is why He gave up His life freely, to give us the "free gift" of eternal life. Like in the case of Lazarus, death stinks, isolation and hopelessness are the permanent result. Because of Love, Jesus wept.

This week, beginning with today, we will hear stories of a great love, and in preparing for the Bride groom services, I read stories of deep and intimate love. You will not be able to grasp the account and deepness of the message unless you've been there and know what Love is, by experience. For example, the tearfully kissing someone's feet, shows the desire to touch someone you love, searching their eyes, looking into their soul and embracing. What would that be like knowing they were going to die. (Facing the fact that you will not see them anymore). Now can you even imagine that you knew that the person you love was the Christ, sensing His divinity? Like that woman, how would your heart groan? And would your tears fall automatically, and uncontrollably? She was like the woman at the well, Jesus knew all her thoughts and actions. The only words that could be appropriate, would be to ask for His great mercy and that He would not reject her because of her sinfulness. We all fit in the category of that woman, who is caught in a multitude of sins.
What is keeping us separated from the Christ? Nothing keeps Him from loving us.

It is not to late. He is waiting for you, come just as you are and be counted amongst the many Christians in this great nation. It is a celebration that extends all boundries and is in every sense Love forevermore.

Easter Greetings

Some of my family will be celebrating Easter Sunday tomorrow, and to them I send Easter Greetings. May the Risen Lord fill your hearts with every joy on this holy season.
It always brings back happy memories of my mom making an Easter bunny cake and there were treats where we sat at the table for each one of us.
Years ago, we wore gloves and a hat with a nice Sunday coat. Today's parishioners are not into bonnets. Most people do not wear jeans on Easter Sunday. But they do dress down, unlike in our day. It was typical to get together for Sunday dinner. Today I saw that my neighbor put up a small white fence around the red mulch that they just put down. Low and behold there are silk flowers, I believe put in for the occasion. Possibly company coming over tomorrow for a family gathering.
What to get the mother-in-law is always the question. She of course wants nothing. Yet, how can we let any holiday go by, especially this one without coming up with something to bring over to her. She is so limited on what we can give her. In fact, yesterday she lost a tooth on a grape. At almost ninety, and on a restricted diet, she prefers to stay at home. She told me that the fudge that her daughter brought over on Christmas ended up in the basket. She chooses to not water plants, and therefore it is a challenge to come up with something for someone who has everything.
So, I decided since everyone needs to eat, the best gift is homemade food. I made her favorite soup, and spinach pie, and for dessert, oatmeal raisin cookies. We'll get it into a nice little basket and maybe place a flower or two, to brighten up the day.
Needless to say, I've had a very busy day in the kitchen, and hopefully will have a quiet day of rest tomorrow. I can't believe it will be Palm Sunday already for us. The lenten season flew by. This is our big week coming up and I'm tired already. We haven't finalized our plans yet for next Sunday. It is hard to accommodate all the working schedules and activities.
I hope your day will be just wonderful.

Good Luck

My fortune cookie just stated that luck was coming my way, I usually do not put too much stake in it, however, today, I found a lucky penny, too. (I can hope can't I)?

The last few days have been very busy ones. After my doctor's appointment, in which he was running one hour behind, and after my walk, I got a call to pickup my grandson from day care as his mom was unexpectedly tied up in traffic. He was so surprised to see his "grandma." Of course, he assumed that we were going to grandma's house. No dice. Daddy was coming home for a few minutes, having found coverage at work, to let us in. In the meantime, he showed me all around, looking at his sand box and playhouse. Then, he threw sticks into the tree well. I recall showing him how to do that last year, when we were outside together. Then, I showed him how to toss acorns in as well. It was fun. Daddy arrived, and pulled out the basketball and hoop. So we played for a while, (grandma, had to chase the ball), of course. Next came the dump truck and scoop combination with a shovel. He scooped in dirt from in between the set stones in the front walk. Does he enjoy playing with his truck. And Oh, another mess his parents are going to have to clean up.

Along came mom, and he said the magic words she longed to hear from him, "I didn't have a time out today." Mommy was so happy. Dad had to get back to work, and I had to go home and see grampy. I thought he had forgotten all about going to my house when he said to his mother, "daddy said I could go to grandma's house"... Of course, I knew that was not the case, and boy's will be boys. They looked at each other. You have to hand it to him. He may be three, but he is smart. It kind of reminded me of when he outsmarted us while his parents were on vacation, because he didn't want to go to daycare, and preferred to get a new toy at Wal-mart. Any child that can do something that merits a time-out and then put himself there, I'd say outsmarts his parents. Now that's using psychology. Clever! Imagine being bright and cute too.

Oh yes, I forgot to mention that I finally met his little friend, Shiv. I introduced myself, saying "You must be Nathan's little friend that I hear him talk so much about." Children are so precious and they really make your day.

Speaking of day, yesterday our local radio station, collected approximately $23,000. for "food share." A program designed to help those in need throughout the year. Our priest, Father Peter, worked in that endeavor and we are pleased with their accomplishment. It is a sad day when people in this country or anywhere in this world are hungry. The effort speaks to the fact that we still have caring individuals who are willing to extend themselves on behalf of their neighbors. They do this with the knowledge that someone was helped, someone that they didn't even know. That is something to think about especially during the hard pressed times that have been afforded some, due to the recent recession. Others on a fixed income need not suffer because of the generosity of many. This is still a wonderful community, and a great place to live. I'm happy to call it my hometown.