Understanding FEAR

I always appreciate the comments that I receive on blogs. Especially ones that cause me to grow in some way. Fear is necessary in our relationship with God, and that is undeniable. And while it is necessary to acknowledge fear as a wisdom, it is not in my mind the greatest known human emotion felt for Him. It is far greater to do something out of love for someone rather than fear. Fear says I have to. Love says I want too, freely. Freedom of choice. Otherwise, God could have forced us to Love Him, rather, He wishes that all would come to know and love Him on their own, because they see His greatness. And, they come to realize that He loves them unconditionally. God is good. Fear has everything to do with punishment. God took the punishment for me. I have nothing but praise for Him.

Fear is a natural emotional response to a perceived threat. As a child the fear of punishment by your parents is real, but their love you trust is stronger. As well, the fear of an unexpected event or impending doom is real. We as humans have a capacity for what we call "fear" as it is part of our human nature, a survival mechanism to a response to a threat of danger.

There is another side to fear, a learned behaviour. A child not knowing that a fly won't hurt him will fear it until evidence proves otherwise. If that fear is not confronted, the child who becomes an adult will still fear the fly. A small person will fear the larger when confronted physically, and will often avoid the fight. A show of not being afraid will influence anothers decision to attack you. There is something to be said about the insecure, small person who is defensive and aggressive, to ward off potential attackers having the "eye of the tiger" can make one fear you.

Fear is usually associated with lack of trust. Yes, it wise to observe that other's in authority can cause you pain and death. It is also wisdom to trust that a loving person, chooses instead to protect and care for you. Your faith in their love for you causes you not to fear them.

It is great wisdom to understand that while God is to be feared, His love for you is much greater, and it is His desire to Save. (A Loving God who dies for you, does not instill in you anything but praise and love.) It is in this that I trust, and in this faith, fear is diminished by hope and love.

Love can overcome fear. David never saw Goliath as a giant. Fear can be a learned behavior that can be changed by faith. Nothing will happen to me today that God does not know about. And I will put my trust in Him. Nothing is bigger than God.

Psalm 5 7-12 (The Orthodox Study Bible) The fixed psalms of the First Hour...
"But as for me, I will come into Your house in the multitude of Your mercy;
In fear of You I will worship toward Your holy temple.
Lead me, O Lord, in Your righteousness because of my enemies;
Make Your way straight before my face.
For their is no faithfulness in their mouth;
Their inward part is destruction;
Their throat is an open tomb;
They flatter with their tongue.
Pronounce them guilty, O God!
Let them fall by their own counsels;
Cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions, for they have rebelled against You.
But let all those rejoice who put their TRUST in You;
Let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them;
Let those also who love Your name be joyful in You.
For You, O Lord, will bless the righteous;
With favor You will surround him as with a shield."

Revelation 21 6-8
"I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End.
I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts.
He who overcomes shall inherit all things, and I will be his God and he shall be My son.
But the cowardly, unbelieving, abominable, murderers, sexually immoral, sorcerers, idolater, and all liars shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone, which is the second death,"

1John 4:17-18
""Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love.

Father Paisios Eznepides, says it best:
"When someone leads a simple life, humbly looks upon himself and feels the need of God's providence, then he puts aside all his concerns and worries, and has faith in Him. When God sees that his soul depends on Him, and not on himself, He will mercifully protect it; this soul will intensively experience the sense of God's providence and feel contented."

No one has to force them to go to church, to praise and worship God. There is some wisdom in that!

FEAR, FAITH OR FORCE

Go here to read an interesting article entitled "A rite that's passing" which appeared in the Boston Globe recently.

The article speaks about a rite that is what is termed "passing" and in a homily given, explored reasons why Catholics no longer go to confession. One veteran priest, who wished not to be identified, said "many catholics today have a more modern view of forgiveness." He admits to: "hardly ever hears confessions-"which I consider the sign of a healthy parish."
According to the article, it was said in VerEecke's sermon, that there is "too much emphasis on love and not on eternal damnation." and..."Fear worked for centuries. It should work again."
I am not shocked to read that a religion allegedly can hold "captive" the mind, and soul of a person by instilling in them "fear." It is what I was exposed to growing up, the fear of punishment. It worked well for my parents, I admit. Yes, it did probably also work for centuries. Control is not a healthy way to nurture as you learn through experience, it drives people away. Maybe that's the reason for the poor attendance and dwindling numbers which reflect many who no longer want to subscribe to or agree with this way of thinking. The area I live in has seen the closing of churches. These churches have softened their hold on communicants from what I remember, years past. Still they are not attending, and most in my generation, had a more liberal view of forgiveness, unlike the strictness my forefathers knew.
Do fear tactics really work on children or people for that matter? Can you really love someone your afraid of? Does Fear of God keep you from a Loving God? Belief in a God who died on the cross for you, but is out to punish you at every whim and is responsible for all the calamities in the world, in my view is irresponsible. Children who grow up with that type of influence leave with bad feelings. Truth has always been known to work better. The God that I know and serve is a "loving God".
(The bible, in 1John4:17-19, taken from the Orthodox Study Bible, clearly answers the question). "Love has been perfected among us in this: that we may have boldness in the day of judgment; because as He is, so are we in this world. (18)There is no fear in love; but perfect love casts out fear, because fear involves torment. But he who fears has not been made perfect in love. (19)We love Him because He first loved us."
If your faith journey is based on force, or fear of damnation, it may be time to reflect the gospel message.
Fear has nothing to do with Love. Love is God. And, perfect love casts out all fear. If your message is based on fear and not on love, you are doomed to fail.

Victory through the Cross

We're half way there on our journey to Pascha. Encouragement comes from various places, one in particular was from the blog of Fr. Peter-Michael Preble, entitled "Archbishop Nicolae's Meditation on the Sunday of the Holy Cross." Please find it here.

The instruction comes forward for us believer's "whoever wishes to follow Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross, and follow Me." (Mark 8:34) Once again my thoughts go toward fasting and alms giving, attending many services and other obligations required by Orthodox Christians at this time of the year. Then again, I reread the scripture and the word take up hits me squarely in the face. Everyone has a cross, some have more than other's it seems, but take up is the difference...It means acknowledging that you have a cross, and that you cannot bear it alone. Admitting your shortcoming is significant. The other word, "deny himself," because we live in a society that says me and my first, is very hard to achieve.

This lent admit it, your not perfect, you need not look far. And, look around, there are many who need only a fraction of what you have, if you would only see them. Denying yourself means becoming aware of other's suffering. And that can only be achieved when it's not all about you.

Most people think denying yourself during the fast is not to have meat, or dairy and to some extent, there is wisdom in abstaining from foods leading to a greater end. Yet, if you do not grow from that discipline, you've missed the point.

We all have crosses in our life, but what is The Cross in your life? You'll know it when you are on your knees praying for God's help. But here's the key, Victory through the Cross. We are not participants in agonizing, and self mortification, which expresses more of a lack of faith, but in the "joy at all times" because "through the Cross, joy has come into all the world." That joy because of the Victory "is" our "emphasis." It is the resurrection of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The Good Shepherd gave His life for His sheep, in order that we have life in abundance. "I have come that they may have life, and that they may have it more abundantly." (John 10:10).

If you are gloomy or depressed it is more of an acknowledgement of not having put on Christ, who commands us to "Rejoice in the Lord always" (Phil.4:4). The Kontakion of the Cross, expresses well the meaning of living the victory of the Lenten-Spring.

The Kontakion of the Cross
"No Longer does the flaming sword guard the gate of Eden.
For a Marvelous quenching is come upon it, even the Tree of the Cross.
The sting has been taken from death,
and the victory from hades.

And, You my Savior has appeared unto those in Hades, saying:
ENTER AGAIN INTO PARADISE."

As a footnote taken from the Orthodox Study Guide, on Page 459, Phil.4:4, "Paul often uses the word always in relation to prayer. Rejoicing always is a fruit of perseverance in daily prayers."

This is a time when we slow down and observe and reflect and change. We discern and hold fast to the beliefs we have received. We are tested, and in trying not be misled we move forward in the journey toward Pascha.

(Thessalonians 5:16-22) "Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, in everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil."

And from the Kontakion of Meatfare Sunday, "then deliver me from the unquenchable fire
and make me worthy to stand at Your right hand, O Righteous Judge."

The Archbishop ends by saying "May the Lord make us worthy of His Glorious Resurrection."

Yesterday, I watched the movie "Saving Private Ryan," the ending gets me every time. The elderly man, visiting the grave of a fallen soldier, asks his wife if he has been a good man. Then, he steps back saluting the person responsible for his life, having given up his own for him and our country. Before he died he whispered, "earn it." That is what love is.

We do not have to "earn salvation," it is a free gift from Christ himself, our true and only God...."Through the cross joy has come into all the world."

On Holy Thursday, we will read on page 319 from Holy Week and Service Book, "Lord, on the Cross You tore up the writ of reckoning against us, numbered among the dead, You bound up its tyrant, freeing all from its bonds by Your resurrection. This has illuminated us, loving Lord, and so we cry out to You. "Remember us also, Savior, in Your Kingdom."

Happy Moments

Some of the happiest moments that I spend is with my grandson, Nathan. Yesterday, he came over to see his grandma, ringing the doorbell as usual and waiting in anticipation of our greeting. He always has a big smile on his face, and usually walks right past me to "his" room of toys, because he misses them. It's not long after that he is asking for food, and as usual, it is waffle toast. Well because grampy forgot to buy some at the store, I offered to make pancakes. He Cried. Nathan is set in his ways already, a person that does not like change. I made them anyway. Of course, he had to bring his table and chair in to the entertainment room and set it in front of the computer, where he likes to view a DVD while eating breakfast. So, it was pancakes with syrup and cream. One look at them, he decided to give it a try. "Um, I like pancakes." So much for the tears. It was also chocolate milk. Of course, I was to watch the DVD "Up" with him. A very good selection, I must add. I noticed that he is reading now and can name various parts of cars, planes and says large words like ridiculous. He is mastering the English language quite well, for four. I told him tomorrow was Friday, so what is today? He said Thursday. Amazing! He wants to do eveything himself now..."I can do it, grandma" my big boy is growing up.

We played ball, made puzzles, read books and it was time for going outside. We decided not to go to see the airplanes today, because we really didn't hear too many flying and we didn't want to be disappointed. Nathan would have gone just to see the wind socks and his favorite orange plane. Although it was warm enough, the sky was grey and tiny snowflakes were falling occasionally. We decided that it would be fun to walk down the street and look into all the catch basins. When he was a baby he always wanted to stop and listen to the water running while I pushed him in the carriage. Now, he walks without complaint along side me, noticing everything and every sound, birds, basketball hoops and even the plastic turtle with a flag that was missing at a neighbor's house. He still loves the flag, and chimes and birdhouses.

I took time to show him the baby buds forming on the ends of the forsythia, which will soon be ready to sprout open to beautiful yellow flowers. We saw tons of pine cones on the lawns of neighbors which had fallen from their pine trees. Luckily, we don't have any. Every now and then he would call my attention to an airplane, "I hear One" he would say looking up. He knows the difference between an airplane and jet and he lets me know which one it is.

Of course, he loved the dirt and dreamed aloud of the time he would soon be able to bring his trucks outdoors to play in the dirt along with thoughts of the swing, his other favorite outdoor activity.

It won't be long now, I told him as we viewed a huge pussy-willow bush in full bloom. He was amazed and I explained that soon there would be green leaves where the white furry buds were. Our adventure did not end up at McDonald's as he would have liked, but at grandma's for lunch. Initially, he was disappointed and didn't want to come upstairs, and then after taking off his boots hat, mittens and coat, left them on the living room floor, stating "I'm mad." I let him get over it and we had lunch. The fresh air increases his appetite, and as usual, he did a pretty good job.

All good things must come to an end and it was time to go home with mommy. He can't wait until he can go to the airport to see the planes and have breakfast once again with grandma.
I can't either. The snow did not accumulate and in fact, the driveway and stairs were completely dry today with the rest of the snow dissipating on the lawn.

He remembered the flowers of last fall, his favorite orange, and how he picked some for his mommy to put in a vase, because he loves her. He enjoys the garden with it's chimes, and Chippy, wrens and finches of all colors and oh yes, we mustn't forget the bugs, worms, dogs and kitty.

Vegetarian Chili

Last night we had our pre-Sanctified Liturgy, as is our custom, we were invited to commune together in our church hall for a Lenten pot-luck meal which is meatless and dairy free. When I first became Orthodox I had food allergies and so abstaining from egg and dairy were an everyday event. Seventeen years passed and so did my allergies through the grace of God. Working mothers find cooking for a family according to the fast to be a hardship, if they do not plan ahead. It was not our culture or tradition, so I needed to start from scratch gathering recipes from cookbooks, friends, trial and error. I now have many quick recipes that fit our lifestyle and are enjoyed by family members and friends year round. Last night I made Vegetarian Chili. It is easy, nutritious, and economical to make. I was asked several times for the recipe, and so here it is, from my kitchen to yours.

1-4 0z. pkg. of Millie's Chili Mix with beans
2 Cups of warm Water
1 Can of Tomato Sauce, (80z.) and (1/2 Can of Water)
2 Cups of Chi-Chi (med.)
1 Cup of Vegetarian Beans, drained (Heins)
8 Veggie Patties, cooked and cut in sm. pcs. (Morning Star)


Place in a crock-pot and cook down, stirring occasionally until thickened.
Serve with corn-chips or cornbread.

Mix contains: No meat, No MSG, No Transfat, No Cholesterol
Patties (optional), contain: soy, wheat, egg and milk

"Gluten, Dairy & Egg Free" Tofu balls & Pasta

I've been making Tofu balls for years and find it to be not only a healthy vegetable substitute for meat, but a treasure during the Lenten fast. These meatless balls go well with any type of "gluten free" pasta or spaghetti.

The 14oz. soy product is found in the produce department, and is packaged in a white plastic container in water. Tofu balls require the "extra firm" soy. I buy soft for use in dips and shakes.
Soy can be used to replace dairy in many recipes as it takes on the flavor that you give it with flavorings and spices.

Any Tofu unused should be stored in a tight container in water, according to instructions on the package. I generally use the entire package in this recipe.

Remove the soy from the package, draining out all of the water, squeezing it with your hands as you would when making spinach pitas. Place in a bowl and set aside. Crush crackers in a plastic bag, using a rolling pin until the gluten free crackers are a fine consistency. (I use Kellogg's Corn Flake Crumbs and EnerG Crackers, approximately 3/4 Cup total.) Add up to one tablespoon of Garlic powder and crumble 2 tablespoons of dried Parsley, mixing well. (one beaten egg may be added). Place into a 1/4 cup measure, pressing it down firmly, carefully removing and forming it into a ball.

In a non-stick pan, heat 2 tablespoons of Canola oil, then add the rolled Tofu substance, formed into the size of a large meatball, and brown on all sides. Gently turning so as to keep it intact. Medium heat works best, in order to avoid sticking and burning to the bottom of the pan. The cooking process should not be done until all the balls have been formed, initially.

Remove and drain after browning on a paper towel, placing the browned balls in a deep dish with your favorite (heated) sauce to be placed in the oven, 350 degrees for a half hour.

I like using Ener G crackers which are suitable for gluten sensitive enteropathies. They are Gluten-Free, Wheat-Free, Milk-Free, Lactose-Free and Egg-Free. The corn flakes and pasta used are both Kosher and Parve as well. The egg in this recipe helps to hold the mixture together, and is used only for those who are not sensitive to eggs.

Serve with your favorite gluten free pasta and sauce, (optional: topping it with grated cheese).

March Madness

We've all heard those little sayings like "March Madness," "March Ahead" or "Spring Ahead," or how about "Beware of the Ides of March"? This is a possible reference to the assassination in 44 of Julius Caesar. My favorite, the "March Winds."

March Madness could possibly mean...Mother nature make up your mind, already. March winds we are familiar with every year, and they have not disappointed us today. I like moving forward toward Spring, with each day becoming a little bit longer and brighter, while observing the tell-tale signs all around us now in nature.

It is a time for cleaning up the dirt from the mess of winter. I like to go through draws and closets to remove outdated or out grown items to make room for the new ones. Like Spring cleaning, it's time to renew, period.

It's time for lighter and brighter colors, and a time for watchfulness that we don't get stuck or weighed down by the past but adventure into the new, feeling like a new person. Put on the hope and promise of the Lenten Spring, as in the Poem of Saint John of Damascus of the 8th century tells us "for Christ God has carried us over from death to life, from earth to heaven." (The first Ode Sung on Pascha).

Neglect not to heed the warning, found in one of Wm. Shakespeare's plays, to "Beware of the Ides of March," "a great danger ," because...you never know what is lurking around the corner.

March has arrived. It's a time to "Spring forward," and become renewed from the death of winter to the Spring of Life. For which we are eternally thankful.