We Have Stirred The Bees Nest

I'm reluctant to write this on a subject that has been on the mind of many American citizens and citizens of the world. Being a woman, and not having served in the military, certainly my comments do not stem from experience, but from observation. We have stirred the bees nest. You don't have to be a rocket scientist to understand what happens next. Maybe we could have avoided it, but should we have? I stand in agreement with the actions of our President. Doing nothing sends the wrong message, one that says we don't care...Is that what we have become?

People are raised to an anxiety level. Some are saying that it is the Republicans who back this effort, seeing it as a ploy to strategically gain foothold in an oil rich nation, where the world will benefit controlling the commodity for consumption, especially our counterparts, France and Brittan. Placing blame is fruitless, and that type of bashing leads only to internal struggle, conflict and unbalance which causes the nation to proceed in an unhealthy manner. We need to be unified, with consensus, solution and clear direction. A nation divided will fail. Was it really for oil? Other oil rich countries in that part of the world were part of the alliance.

It is not exaggerated to begin with the statement that Muammar al-Qaddafi assumed power as ruler in Libya, some forty-years ago in a coo, and has led a repressive government, one that lead to unrest, evidenced by the people that courageously rebelled against him. This has been an on-going event in that part of the world, lately, suggesting a larger picture, perhaps?

No matter how a person comes into power, judgement is a matter of deeds. We hear that this dictator participates in deadly missions, such as the killing of innocent people in the Pan Am flight to Scotland, which he initiated and was not brought to justice for, just one example. Our own president said that the mission is not to remove Qaddafi, but a political mission to liberate people, from their oppression, and quite possibly their death. It was also seen as an effort to curtail a humanitarian crisis. The effort was in response to the pleading of the citizens of Libya, to the United Nations, to establish a "no fly" zone to prevent their annihilation, from a murderous government, starvation and the like. He has lost legitimacy with his people.

One of the reasons that United Nation exists is to answer the humanitarian needs of the world. We, meaning of the nations, (those who care for the welfare of people against genocide), decided to avert a crisis, having no clear-cut answers. We have stirred the bees nest in a part of the world which is already "abuzz," some with a known hatred for their neighbor, Israel, and collectively, could and would carry out apocalyptic threats, if not for the watchful eye of a big brother who is not afraid to protect and defend the cause of the weaker from danger at any cost, at a moments notice. Some claim, we waited too long. Did we drag our feet with good reason, nonetheless?

Events transpiring are none of which anyone clearly wants to become involved in which clearly will have repercussions, but the world has become a small place. Every action has a reaction, which will play itself out down the road, good or bad. You know the drill, it is the leader that takes the rap. Who wants that job? So what we do know? Our President, responded with the other United Coalition, with United Nation Authority, as the "good neighbor," having taken his authority "as commander and chief" under the Constitution, with limited direction. Most polled Americans see it that way. The mission was clearly to liberate people under attack by their own government. Defined by a US led, structured military effort under the command of General Carter Ham. Not to remove Qaddafi, although most agree that he should go, because he has lost the legitimacy of his people. Remove his capability (weapons) in an effort to insure the safety of the people of Libya. The problem is that most people are short-sighted. They do not have all the facts, nor do they consider the region, and political situations and surroundings, thinking of everything in terms of oil consumption.

I have heard and am aware of all the controversy surrounding our unaffordable intervention and third US war, in an explosive powder keg, the Middle-East. Facing the unknown, we pray for our military and people who are doing merciful work in an unsettled world. It is complicated, and some would rather it go away, who doesn't? Nevertheless, it is here and we must face the inevitable, like it or not. We must be careful to abide by the letter of the law, where we can, and that means following procedures set in place by our constitution, not allowing our view to be under the U.N. Authority but working with it. We must consult with our congressional leaders. (In this case, we were promised that we would not have a preeminent role.) I have not understood that as yet, there is a clear exit plan, that will be made to be seen in time.

Seventy percent of our people have supported this endeavor, according to the polls which suggest that we are still a people of compassion. The compassion of our president has shown that he was willing to take away the big guns, and rid a mad-man who with his weaponry would choose to have blood on his hands, instead of seeking justice for his people, through reconciliation and peace.

It would seem that the world has taken on the role of big brother, (The United Nations). Was it right or wrong? I am opposed to a one-world government which causes structural problems within the military, as only one reason. Maybe it depends on who you ask. There are times when you have to do what you think is right. Let the chips fall where they may as we continue to pray for all people of the world and their leaders.

The safety net has been removed, and the bees have been stirred, and no one can hide from their sting. We have bought oil from Libya for forty years with no problem from Qaddafi, the man tried by his people and some world leaders to be an unstable leader, leaving little stability to a very uncertain and inflamed region of the world. Should he leave, who will take his place?

That is the question. Will the devil that we don't know, be worse than the one that we do know?

Fundamentals of Faith

How can one truly participate in the Greatest Joy, Pascha, without having asked ourselves what the difference is between the Old Testament and the New. And, just what that difference means.

It begins on Holy Saturday Evening with the words "Shine, shine new Jerusalem! For the glory of the Lord has dawned over you. Dance now and be glad, Sion; as for you, pure One, rejoice in the resurrection of your child." "The angel cried out to her who is full of grace; Rejoice! And again I say, rejoice! Your Son is risen from the tomb on the third day."

Mary, the mother of God, a Jewish girl, and is ever virgin, is the bridge between the old and new testament. She is the God bearer. In the Old testament, the One the Jews are still waiting for, was indeed born of her and He is the fulfillment of the law, the awaited Savior. In place of Moses and the law, Christ is the salvation of our souls, by His Righteousness. The shadow of the law has passed away, those that do not recognize His coming, will find that it was Christ all along, the One that they rejected. (Taken from the Sixth ode on Holy Saturday Evening) "Your divinity and Your flesh remained as one; You exist in both, as Son, as Word of God, as God and man."

Pascha, the Pascha of the faithful; opened to us the gates of Paradise; sanctifying all believers.
The joy of Christians is in the eighth day, the day of Resurrection, and Ascension, Pentecost and the hope of the second coming of our Lord and Savior, in a day that does not end. We need not look back but look forward to the hope that is ours. Those who appear to celebrate joy, in the old testament, haven't anything to be joyful about. For them it will be the "first" coming of Christ, while ours,will be the second. We Christians have the only Joy that there could possibly be....Christ has died, Christ is risen and Christ will come again.

"Having endured the Cross, abolished death and risen from the dead, imbue our lives with peace, Lord, as the only almighty One."

Finally, learn the meaning of the Prophecy of Isaiah (52:13-15, 54-12). Especially, (54:1)"Sing O barren one, who did not bear; break forth into singing and cry aloud, you who have not been in travail! For the children of the desolate one will be more than the children of her that is married, says the Lord."
The Orthodox Study guide says the following pertaining to this passage: "The Gentiles were once barren and desolate, but the Church of the Gentiles will give birth in the Spirit to many more ...children than Israel has in the flesh.-- "will be much greater and larger than the tabernacle constructed by Moses."

Taken from Holy Thursday Evening readings: "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 bed-ridden man I raised up. My people, what have I done for you, and how have you repaid Me?"

Holy Thursday Evening: The Antiphon--"Today the Lord's own people nailed to the Cross the One who divided the sea with a staff and led them through the wilderness. The One Who visited the plagues on Egypt for their sake they pierced with a lance to His side. The One Who rained the manna on them for nourishment they offered gall to drink."

During the next month, we will begin to ponder these words ... (Luke 23:34) "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do."
Scriptural sources are from the Orthodox Study Bible.

The Rock

Many years ago, during the summer months, we as a family, would go to swim at Carpenter's Pond. The entrance of water due to the contrast is always cold, even if the water temperature was warmed due to the heat from the sun. So the process of going into the water was gradual.

I can still picture myself going into the water slowly, cautiously. The feeling beneath my feet sometimes was mucky and slimy, but refreshing, the sun, hot on my back. It took awhile to wade in, while others ran in and jumped making a huge splash. Older kids could swim and they would do headstands, sticking their feet into the air for all to see. As I got older, I would do the same, but not this day.

Looking into the water, I spotted a rock, one which I would avoid stepping on, as rocks hurt the bottom of your feet. This rock stood out from the other rocks, revealing gold spots all over it. It seemed to glow in the sun and danced with joy even though it never moved from the spot it had settled in. That rock became a marker as each time I went swimming, I looked for it. It was still there, always there. Even on dark days, it was there and its special light could be seen. Light that permeated the darkness all around it.

If you were a rock, what would you look like? What effect would the darkness all around have on you. Would you still continue to be illumined, showing the way. Would you be unmovable through the conditions, turmoils of life?

I often wondered if the shinny metal went all the way into the center of the rock, or was it just on the exterior. It had to be a chip from a larger rock, which was not visible, but I could imagine the light that would extend from it. Especially when the sun shone on it exposing it's beauty.

That little rock was there just for me, and it was my treasure. I looked for it always, every time I went swimming as a little child. Then, one summer I grew up and no longer did I wade in, but like the older kids, I ran and jumped into the deeper part, ignoring the rock. The rock was still there but I had moved on, changed.

There was a lesson to learn from the little rock. It will always be there with it's brightness to shine amongst the muck which surrounds it. The light it has that shines forth will always win over darkness, even on the darkest day, lighting the way for all that come to the water. In some way it has become a beacon of hope for something larger. It stands alone, in shallow water, in front of the deepness that is to come. It is a symbol of an unextinguishable light source, and a reflection to those who look upon it.

We must all cling to the light of the rock and be rock bearers to a world that needs both hope and Light. A world without light is a world without hope.

Today's reading, Isaiah 5-20 "Woe to those who call evil good and good evil, who put darkness for light and light for darkness, who put bitter for sweet and sweet for bitter!"

Sometimes, you just need to take the example of a little bright stone. Does your light shine amongst the darkness? Taken from the Orthodox Study Bible: 1John -1:6 "If we say that we have fellowship with Him, and walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. (7) But if we walk in the light as He is the light, we have fellowship with one another, " 1John 2:9 "He who says he is in the light, and hates his brother, is in darkness"

There is so much darkness in the world. We are to be the light, loving each other. I have always believed that America has served the world as a Christian Nation. Looking at the events that unfold in Japan, our hearts go out to them. They are living in dark days, surely we need to be counted among other nations providing for our brother. We must always be a beacon of hope, having received the Light, to those who need us.

Matthew 4:16 "The people who sat in darkness have seen a great light,"

Being Prepared

Years ago people were self sufficient. Isolated families were living spread out all over with maybe one neighbor in riding distance. The years of 1790-1840 make a great read and causes us to pause and take notice, asking the question, are you prepared for a possible disaster, like Japan. The book is entitled "The Reshaping of Everyday Life," by: Jack Larkin.

It is concerning that calm is the order of the day in Japan, where people are getting on with their lives, ordinarily. I ask myself, do they know what has transpired? Are they less aware than we are as to the frightening events that have and are still happening to their country? Rationing electricity, and goods like food is reason enough for alarm, given the extensive damage and population. It is known to be a middle class country and looks modern and well developed. The question is --are they sustainable? How long can you be cold and hungry? Supplies will run out and rationing will become the norm. Should it happen here, are we? It makes one think, doesn't it?

My grandparents, who lived in the late 1800's were prepared for just about anything. They had farms and gardens and tools, livestock, and their own wells. They would never be out in the cold, utilizing the firewood from their land, and were proficient in processing candles, food stuff, wine, and household items, like lanterns and furniture. They feasted on meat, chicken, eggs and turned out butter and cheese. Recycling everything, they lived within their means. Medicines were grown, dried and hung in their pantry along with other spices and teas. They were secure.

Men had tobacco, smoked cigars and pipes and drank a bit of home brew. They were off the grid, using dehydration methods, for squash and apples and knew how to smoke meat, no refrigeration needed. Sheep and goats grazed the grass, and haying as well as cyclical duties to maintain their lifestyle were taught generation after generation.

Parties and music, games, books, sports and the like flavored their lives when they weren't working. They got along without cell phones and computers. Unlike people today, they knew who their God was and Worship Service was a priority. People loved one another, and depended on each other's talents.

I wonder if any crisis that they had, compared to what we are seeing on the television lately, everywhere you look. The magnitude of which is unthinkable.

My mom used to warn us about getting too big for our britches. Could be, she was right.

Your Image

Today makes twenty-three years since the death of my mother. I find myself remembering her by the picture that she gave all five of us children of her and my dad. It was one that I can visualize, in a small pantry with a sink. Their smile is priceless and she is wearing a yellow sweater that was one she frequently wore.

I am grateful for the image on the photo. One, that I can show my grandchildren, saying that was daddy's grandmother. She was a beautiful lady in so many ways. It is good to be able to have it as a reminder of her.

Our church is celebrating Orthodox Sunday today where we proclaim Christ our true God --honored by His saints in words, writing and Holy Icons.

While we worship and reverence Christ as God our Lord, we honor and venerate His Saints.

Holy Icons show us, for an example, of St. Luke, one of the first icon writers, what the mother of God looked like, her costume and what feast day is represented. It is good that we have these truths revealed and available as windows back to the event, at a time so different than ours, by the eyewitness.

These images are near and dear to our hearts.

The Sunday of the Triumph of Orthodoxy is celebrated on the first Sunday of Great Lent.
Today we venerate His image while we sing.

Troparion of Orthodox Sunday, tone 2.

We venerate Your most pure image, O Good One;
and ask forgiveness of our transgressions, O Christ our God.
Of Your good will You were pleased to ascend the cross in the flesh
and deliver Your creatures from bondage to the Enemy.
Therefore with thankfulness we cry aloud to You:
"You have filled all with joy, O our Savior,
for You alone have come to save the world."

Sweets for the honey

This is the time of year, when in cold climates, sap is collected from red or black maple trees. In New England we have many variety's of maple trees. You have to know which one is a sugaring tree by the shape of the leaf that is produced in the springtime. The sugar producing tree has a leaf that does not v within it's leaf, but clearly has a u shape between points.

Collector's of the sap place a peg into the tree, close to the bottom, which allows the leaking of the sappy substance, a carbohydrate, to fall into a container, which looks like a water droplet dripping from the tap to the container. Once collected, it is boiled down to a syrupy stage, removing the water content. The process I saw was from a huge pot over a wood fire. Taking about 40 gallons to make one gallon of syrup, it is a labor of love. In order to process it into a Crystal-like stage, more cooking down is necessary.

It is placed in a container that looks like a crock pot with a hole at the base, from which came the molasses after separating, naturally. The rest, is hardened to be utilized as sugar. This hardened piece had to be chiseled off, or scraped off with a special kitchen tool, that looked like a grater. Many hands were busy in the kitchen in order to produce the sweet cake for a special desert. Needless to say, it was used sparingly, and appreciatively.

There is nothing to match the taste of maple syrup, even though the Cain process is similar. Sweet cakes has been a tradition here in New England, since the Indians taught us how sweet life can be. They used a different method -- theirs is one of heating up stones.

Visiting places where Maple sugaring is produced, makes a great outing this time of the year. Maybe you remember this song, "Sweets for my sweet, sugar for my honey." By The Drifters in 1961.

Because...We never get tired of our sugar all year 'round. I like to make sweets for those special people in my life.

Let the Pruning Begin

Let the pruning begin on your fruit and small trees, that is if you can get to them. This is maple season in New England, where taps are seen in trees, sometimes with pails hanging from them. I understand that the New England Indians were the first ones to introduce the process of making syrup to early settler's in this area. Pancakes and sausage with syrup was always a staple in these parts, along with hot cereals and eggs of course.

Early farms would have roosters courting the yards along with big fat hens and some ready for the pot, on a fine cold New England noon time meal. Larger meals were consumed during the light and not by candlelight in the evening as people erroneously believe. Hence, the term supper was used instead of dinner. In between the noon meal and supper, was tea time. This is when the ladies would get together with a neighbor and sip tea and ate cakes, which looked like fat cookies, and do their needle work and knitting.

Today, I happened upon some sheep penned and grazing on the provided feed, when I noticed two small lambs. They came running to me, one doing some kind of cute dance in the process. Of the two, one had small antlers the other didn't. I wish that I could pick them up and it seemed that they wanted me to. I got close enough to notice the big blue eyes and white lashes. Like my baby grandson, they kept their eye on me as I left. I so wished that I had my grandchildren there to see how small and sweet they were.

Every one's talking about growing their own vegetables this year. One man told me he still had "keeper's" squash in his kitchen about two and a half years old. Wow, that is amazing. Some people still have root cellars, in which they place their produce on beds of sand to feed them without refrigeration, all winter. This part of the country was known for stews made from the vegetables grown containing: red onions, carrots, parsnip, and potatoes. They would use butter that they churned, and cut up vegetables which would be fried in the pot, adding dried seasonings and water, once precooked and left to stew until completely softened. Salt was always used as a preservative.

I think that is why we use so much salt, as it was needed and utilized by cooks, who used older recipes. Now, we can cut back on consumption, due to the advent of refrigeration.

I spoke with a man who is completely off the grid, so to speak. His lunch today was prepared last night on his wooden stove, from the vegetables that he grows in his own garden. He is consumed with all trade secrets, that come from his grandfather and generations before on how to survive in good "New England." He even has a remedy for slugs and other rodent loving critters who want in on a share of things.

Living on a farm then and now, is hard work. Cutting your own wood for the fire, and he tells me he has no TV, nor time for such. Just what does he do in his spare time? If he has any, I couldn't tell you. His lunch consisted of a jar of assorted vegetables, like a stew, and two hard-boiled eggs. He had a long thick beard, and appeared healthy, as he was whittling a wood carving, something you rarely see today accept if you are in the pinewood derby.

Just a couple of hundred years ago life was so different. Homes didn't have bathrooms, not even one. Children were fitted in their long johns for the winter, complete with the hatch in the back with two buttons. How they got their water was from a huge pot burning in the fireplace, that was scooped out as needed. Water was pumped from wells. It didn't have chemicals added to it and it was used wisely.

Shoes were changed at the door, and more comfortable ones were worn in the house. You always brought a change of shoes if you visited, placing knitted ones on your feet. Sometimes, these were provided by the hostess. They didn't have phones or Internet, and spoke to each other eye to eye. There was a whole lot of caring going on as they relied on each other for their needs big and small. Oh it was hard work, but rewarding, and some days, like those bad weather days, you simply stayed home. What you put into it, you got out of it. Recycling was a way of life, and hand-me-downs were good enough to pass down several generations, by just changing ribbon or lining. Things were made to last because they had too.

That is when you knew who your neighbor was.