Getting Unplugged

We live in a world where we run around in circles. As great lent begins for us Orthodox Christians, we need to unplug and stop running and slow down, to gain focus on what is truly important in our lives. It can be compared to many of the elderly who go to the doctors feeling extremely ill, not because of their infirmity but, from the side-effects of the many pills they are taking, unknowingly. We become trapped in our own mess. We do not find time for God. Sometimes, we wonder, where did all the time go? Regret, is a hard cookie to swallow.

What does it mean to unplug? It means to break routine. Doing things differently. I used to laugh at the rountines of my grandmother and parents. Everyday was the same. They would make their bed the first thing in the morning, followed by breakfast, dishes and chores. I'm not saying that all routines are not good. Certainly, the kids need to be on time for the bus and parents need to be on time for work. This generation is so scheduled that they can hardly breathe. Time to get off the merry-go-round, as the faster you go, the chances for getting off become fewer and fewer, until you are captive of it.

How do you know the important things that God has in store for you and your family, if you don't ask Him? What is required, is to tune out and tune in to Him. Lent gives us that opportunity, an opportunity to make time for God. Spend some time alone, and in a quiet and peaceful setting, find that He still loves you, that He still cares, and listen carefully, for His counsel.

He will probably tell you that you should be obedient, even when you are sick and tired, you will find the strength, for He will carry you. Did you ever feel that you need a place to hide, away from all the cares? Hide in Him, and you will find rest.

Do you still think that you do all things by yourself? That is a good place to start...Without God, we are nothing, and I hope you will never have to find that out the hard way. We are all so stubborn and hard hearted, and self-centered at times. The "me" generation.

Getting free from life's entanglements is where we should all begin.
Let go and let God, and in Him, you may find something that you've been missing.

Maybe, your way or the highway, is not the best way after all.

The Unexplained

Saturday morning we held a Liturgy, a memorial for the departed souls, in our church. Later that evening, at Great Vespers, the priest recalled, that morning, having become aware of a very strong scent, with a rose-like smell, coming from the vicinity of the two Icon stands. Unknown to him, my husband, John, told me of a very strong, somewhat like incense smell, that had bothered him during the service. John has allergies, and if he is exposed to certain rose-smelling scents, he must leave the church. Sure enough, he was ill following the service. He was congested before the service as well, so who's to say. Hearing the same story from two people, was a confirmation. Since John wasn't well enought to attend Great Vespers that evening, I relayed John's story to the priest.

There are unexplained happenings all the time. We had a myrrh-streaming Icon of St. Anne in our church, in that very area, almost one month to the date. I wondered if that had anything to do with the "appearance of the scent". Perhaps, we have a myrrh-streaming Icon of our own? Who can explain it? I could smell it Sunday, as I approached to venerate the Icons, on the stands.

Sceptics must have "proof" or they will not believe. Not everything can be proven, therefore, we have what we call "mysteries." There is after all, the known, and the unknown. On Sunday, we heard from the Kontakion from the Triodion, the words "and the hidden things disclosed" as much is beyond our understanding.

We worship, in our faith, with all our senses, to the capacity that we can, as it is revealed to us. As we grow in our faith, what we were not aware of previously, we become enlightened to, and find ourselves looking back to a time, where there was little or no understanding.

Many came to "see" the myrhh-streaming Icon, because they were looking for something. That something, sometimes, is just a reassurance, as they, like doubting Thomas, find it hard to believe.

The Lenten Spring has arrived, and we will enter into the gospel, to see Jesus with his twelve apostles, eating their passover meal. Christ with fervent desire, speaks to them of the Kingdom of God. Saying clearly "This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you."(Luke 22:20). Then, we will walk with Jesus and we will witness the denials, and trials, and finally, after hearing the shouts from the crowd, "Crucify Him" we will look upon our Lord and Savior, Jesus hung on a cross.

This is not the end of the story.

It is the beginning, a New Covenant between God and Man. Many will come to see the "unexplained",but will they come to receive the body and blood of Christ present and offered at each and every Liturgy? This is the greatest of all Mysteries.

What struck me in today's reading, (Luke 19:40), is what Jesus said in response to the Pharisees who called out to Him from the crowd asking Jesus to rebuke his disciples. Jesus said. "I tell you that if these should keep silent, the stones would immediately cry out."

We are bursting at the seams wanting to reveal "immediately" to a world greatly needing to know the truth, which sadly today, many have been kept from receiving, by so many diversions. All will be revealed as creation stands in the ready to proclaim the good news that "cannot be contained nor silent", as all things hidden will be disclosed.

Do you have spiritual readiness? It means to be watchful with perseverance and having supplications, boldly making known the mystery of the gospel, which is the good news of salvation, "Christ, crucified and risen from the dead." Will you then, journey with us? Lent begins now. Come and hear, taste and see!

All scriptural references are taken from the Orthodox Study Bible.

Are You Above Love?

All over the internet today we will see words and hear songs that tell us that we have the potential to love others. Do we really need the reminders? We infact, love many during the course of our lifetime. Love is uncontainable and it calls us to action. We love our family, friends neighbor and counrty? It is commanded to us to "love your neighbor," and "love your enemy." Thank God for the love in our lives....

There are those in this world, who unfortunately "deny" love. Deny the existance of love, and their need for love. They are the cold and hungry in this world. The selfish, and self-centered are starving and lonely, and in ways, dwarf the physically impoverished, as they disallow their greatest need. It's like cutting off your oxygen, their is "no life" without love.

The truth is that you cannot live without love, it is what gives you life. If you cannot love, then you are your own worse enemy, you are living dead. So put the grouchiness and hardness aside today, and replace it with patience and kindness--good deeds toward others.

The truth of the matter is found in (1Cor13:2) "And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing." Everybody wants to be something!

Love is the ultimate gift. This gift cannot be broken or tossed away. It is always there, does not grow old, and cannot be undone. It is proven safe through any trial, is steadfast always, and remains eternally. The only profit we can gain in this world, is through love. Love accepts you just as you are, because you are lovable, and you, knowingly or not, are loved.

Love has accepted you, but have you accepted Love? Love is not a feeling, but it sure feels good to hear someone say, "I Love You...To those I love, and to those whom I've loved and they have gone on, Happy St. Valenines Day, I will always love you.

St. Valentine's Day Cookies

Today, as I ponder what kind of cookies I will make for St. Valentine's Day, I recall the many different kind of cookies, enjoyed for over forty years.

The favorites have been, chocolate chip, peanutbutter kiss, anise with colored jimmies, oatmeal, canoli, sugar cookies, cinnamon and walnut rolls, crustada, and twist cookies.

My family and friends have always looked forward to having confections of various shapes, sizes and colors. Maybe, I'll make huge, heart-shape cookies, decorated with sweet confections.

Years ago, my aunt used to make molasses cookies, and as a very little girl, they were my favorite. This year, gingerbread has led the list, so far.

My love for baking "treats" has led many to my door over the years. People still say that I should open a bake shoppe. People in life deserve my cookies because they are so sweet.

I don't know, maybe I'll throw in some whoopie pies, too. Every season has it's own specialty, and nothing says "I love you" more than something from the oven. Maybe, it'll be a carrot cake, with a cream cheese frosting? Or a chocolate moose with cookies and cream?

Doesn't matter so much how you take the time to tell other's that they are special, it only matters that you do.

What I did for Love

February is an interesting month, fewer days but because we so look forward to the spring, it seems like our struggle becomes more intense, in our quest, to leave the dark cold days behind. Yet, next week, we will brighten the lives of those we love by our guestures of love for them. It's like being in the sun, you just want to bask in the love of another. Thinking about others, places you on another level. Smile, you can endure all things, just knowing somehow, that love will get you through every circumstance, you become renewed.

If you do not know love, you are nothing but a clanging bell, an annoying thing. Love, on the other hand can change people, one at a time. It can lift you from despair and send your spirit soaring high above. Little things, little gestures mean a lot to those who haven't much. Just a smile or greeting can make a big difference in a person's life.

I may have been dreaming, but I think I heard that the divorce rate was up to 75 percent on the west coast, yesterday. Tell me, please, that I am wrong. The answer is clear, society now says "what can you do for me?" If you love me, you must do this...It's all about you. NO. It should be, what can I do for love? I cannot make you happy, but in my love for you, you will find happiness, because love never fails. We are called to love each other. Like, tag, pass those good loving and kind deeds around.

Distortion, everything has been turned to mean just the opposite and, as a result, we are chickens running around with our heads cut off. Have we become blindsighted? Several years ago, and several days ago, I heard people saying that they aren't baptising their children anymore. It used be said that "Oh, they'll decide when they get older." What a crock! Did you achieve grace on your own by what you said or did? (Eph2:2)"And you He made alive, who were dead in trespasses and sins, (8) For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not works, lest anyone should boast. For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them."

The carpet has been laid out for us to walk on, having been "prepared for us." He leads us in the path of Righteousness. The Holy Spirit, guides us, fills us with what we should say and do, as we are "His workmanship", God does not make junk. That path, is a path of love. What I did for the love of my children, was have them Baptised into the faith. This is easily understood as it was commanded by Christ Himself.

What I did and do for love, is to become humble, prayerful and obedient. Yesterday, on face book, someone asked the question, after reading a post concerning head coverings, should we be covering our head in church? Ladies all over the world "still" cover their heads, and I had to ask myself the question, when did we stop and why? How much faith and courage will it take to rise above what has become popular (not to), in order to do what is required, right and proper. That is the real question, isn't it? Because we live in a society that tells us "how we should think and what we should do, that step is a big one. What will people say, and think about "what I look like?" Sadly, most of us lack conviction for our faith.

Quiet, loving, humble and obedient, I stand before my God, head covered, not boasting of what I have done, but being His workmanship, what He has done through me, a sinner, asking for His mercy.

What have you done and what are you doing for Love? St. Valentine's day is next week, and commercialism is doing its job in telling us what we need. Teddy bears, flowers, chocolates, and pajamagrams. What we really need is to be loved unconditionally, just as we are. Just the way the Good Lord made us to be.

All gospel references were taken from the Orthodox Study Bible.

Stumbling stone and the Rock

What do you consider yourself most like -- a pebble, stone, or a rock. Maybe, your a stumbling stone? Stumbling stones roll around, like pebbles, insecure and waivering with uncertainties of life, and, in their misdirections, are clogging, and become stumbling blocks. In your lack of faith, have you become a stumbling block to yourself and others.?

Give to me the Rock of ages...that I too become a "rock" to those who surround me, even in my weekest resolve, having become steadfast, unmovable, grounded in my strength toward You, that I may not become a stumbling block, but a beacon of light and hope to those who need it the most.

There are people that I know who are, and have become, a source of strength in the life of another. At times, they need not even say a word, just knowing that they are there is enough. What does not waiver, is the love that they have for you, no matter what....The anchor that one clings to through any storm. The rock gets them through.

Rock of Ages, cleft for me
let me hide myself in Thee....

Taken from the Orthodox Study Bible (Psalm 31:1-2)

"In You O Lord, I put my trust;
Deliver me in Your righteousness.
Bow down Your ear to me,
Deliver me speedily;
Be my rock of refuge,
A fortress of defense to save me."

Time to get anchored down...Do you know the Rock?

(1Cor10:1-4) "Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of the spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ."

We believe, "For at Communion, at the Eucharist, there is a real participation in the Body and Blood of Christ. Just as Christ's human body is united to Him, so we are untied to Him. As many grains become one loaf, those who take this communion become one in Christ."

Who cares about predictions? True or false, we all have to weather calamities, as in all the ages before us. The greater question is: from where will you derive your unfailing strenght and hope? Who will you cling to?

Some feel that they do not need the rock, they can do it all on their own. Here is clear message--a thought for you to ponder today. (1Cor:10:22) "Or do we provoke the Lord to jealousy? Are we stronger than He?"

Living out our faithful relationship to God in the Church, let us (Rom12:9)"cling to what is good."

David's Song of Deliverance--(2Kingdoms 22:2) "O Lord, My rock, my fortress and my deliverer; (3) My God will be my guardian, in whom I will trust; My defender and the horn of my Salvation, My protector and the refuge of my Salvation, You will save me from unrighteousness. I will call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised; And I will be saved from my enemies."

Who is your rock?

A Cantor's Confession

My dearest friend Brigid recently said, "maybe she's weird," as Christians sometimes feel, like ducks out of the water, because we sort of go against the grain. If you've done any sanding of any type, you'll understand that going against the grain can ruin a perfectly good floor or piece of furniture. Yet, we are "called" to go against what the world would say at times, to serve Christ. This takes courage and conviction, which does not come from us. All we have to do is let go and let God.

Today, I'm not well....at lest physically. But, joyfully, I am praying for others around me who have also got this horrible virus that is going around. I am in a state of happiness, overflowing from the healing that I have received and rejoice in hearing about the healings and stories pouring in from last weeks presence of the Myrrh-Streaming Icon of St. Anna. So many came, were touched --and in some way, everyone received a blessing. Father revealed interesting stories during his wonderful homily.

We have a wonderful priest serving St. Michael Church. He is a great leader. I am so grateful for all the hard work he does. It is not about the size of your church, or how glorious it is, lest anyone boast or deceive you, it is about the sheep of the Great Shepherd. (Ps:23)"He leads me in the path of righousness for His namesake." He is always with me, even when I'm not at my best. It's not about numbers, it's about you. You alone...

When father greeted me at the door yesterday, I don't think he knew how badly I felt. Jokingly, he said, "are you going to make it?" (Maybe he heard me coughing in the parking lot.) I said, "I don't know." I was there, hoping that my wheezing and coughing would not interfere with the singing of the Liturgy, and would not present itself loudly over the mic. Father and I would do our best to get through it, as he also was in distress.

I went with confidence, having taken my asthma meds and prednisone, allergy and aspirin, and other pharmacy delights all for the sake of being able to breath, never mind sing. The virus had travelled to my eye, and ears which left me feeling far away and not able to hear well. All I had to do was hear him, and then sing the responses, praying, Lord have mercy...

Throughout the service, I could not really hear the people singing as usual, and I wasn't aware of how many had come to church, focusing on the task at hand. I recalled something that Fr. Steven had told me many years ago, and that was that "the angels fix it on the way up" and I always laughed, thinking it was a joke. I hoped the angels would help me, I knew somehow.

During the Liturgy, after I sing "We Praise Thee" in English, several people sing it in their native language, tuning in, in different octaves, not usually together, but sort of a mishmash of sounds. Father used to say that this was the highlight, out of all the songs he'd heard sung, in which I had no concept of where that came from, until yesterday. I wasn't prepared to hear what I heard. It was the most beautiful harmonious sound coming forward in perfect unity and with richness and fullness, that I literally, turned my head to see how many people were singing. Then I understood, that just like we all do not see the same things, we do not all hear the same things either. I recalled the words of Jesus in (Matthew 21:16) "Yes. Have you never read, 'Out of the mouth of babes and nursing infants You have perfected praise'?" The beauty was about the sound that came from the humbled, suffering people, and their genuine love of their God and His holy church, as they praised Him. We in our spiritual infancy, just do not get it! I was so thankful for this glimpse of this heavenly comprehension and understanding. I had been given a blessing and great gift upon hearing it. Perfection never comes from us....It is only through Him, through His presence in us.

Today, I am reminded in (2Corinthians 12:9-10) "And He said to me, "My grace is sufficient for you, for My strength is made perfect in weakness." Therefore most gladly I will rather boast in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. (10)Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in needs, in persecutions, in distresses, for Christ's sake. For when I am weak, then I am strong."

I couldn't have said it better. Praise be to God in all things, known and unknown. God honors weakness and humility. As a woman in this world, where it no longer acceptable by many, to wear a head covering in church, or to allow your husband to honor you as the weaker vessel, while you join together, being heirs together in the grace of life, are deprived of the greater opportunity. For in unity, your prayers are not hindered. So, let me who am foolish to the wise of the world, be so. For it is written in (1Cor3:18) "Let no one deceive himself, if anyone among you seem to be wise in this age, let him become a fool that he may become wise."

Let me be then, a weird and foolish Christian, for (1Cor3:20)"the Lord knows that the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile."

All scriptural referrences aretaken from the Orthodox Study bible.