Beauty is in the mind of the beholder

Working together with two-year-old Ryan in his ABC book, we came to a picture of scissors and immediately, he told me that he didn't like them. Oh, I said, why not? The answer didn't take long, and it was something that we all know. Because mommy cuts my nails. Then, came the subject of hair cutting. Recently, he had a haircut which was, as his brother Nathan said, not something he liked, as he screamed and carried on....They did the best they could. After telling me about the ordeal, Ryan looked at me and as he smiled, he said as he touch his head, "beautiful." It was the first time I heard him say that word.

Then, he told me that he didn't like his mother going to work. I've heard that before, I told him, Nathan used to tell me the same thing.  I then said, Nathan used to play with grandma, now he goes to school on the bus. Now I play with Ryan. But what is grandma going to do when Ryan goes to school on the bus? Thinking and rather quickly, he got it. And, in a tone of understanding, he said, "you can cook for grampy."

Two is an age when you can begin to have a conversation. Yes, they understood before, but now they are learning to use their words. They are very smart and will surprise you at every turn, having observed each and every move. Later in the day, he wanted his Binky, and has a difficult time letting it go. The exception is at bedtime, and although it is difficult, I don't give in. So immediately, he wants his mommy. I took him outdoors, where he used his lawnmower on the pavement, then it was the wheel barrel. He loves outdoor work, and forgot all about the Binky. A change in scenery usually works. Sometimes, its a ride in grandma's car. Even though this was the first day of spring, it was cold. I let him sit in the front seat of my parked car. Of course, he was thrilled, saying "broom-broom." Then, he smiled at me, and asked me if I wanted music.

Yes, at two, he knows me quite well. And I know that they grow up so fast. I'm holding on to each and every beautiful word and moment that I spend with my family, and grandchildren. Spring is here, it won't be long before we're watering flowers, blowing bubbles, swinging in the back yard, having picnics and playing in the screen-covered sand box. And, of course, there is baseball, fireworks and the beach.

He Does Not Know

I wonder does he know, know that he's two. Little Ryan refuses to wear a bib because he's too big. Yet at his house he place his doo-doo blanket on me saying it was my bib, and as he proceeded upstairs to his kitchen, he would return with soup he made, because it was good for me. I think sometimes he thinks he's older than me. His dad left me a note with instructions on what clicker to use for the television, in order to play a DVD for little Ryan. Before I could finish, Ryan was inserting the disc. He already knows how to run all the computers as well. I'm sure he's two but it's hard to understand how he could be so smart. He wants to do everything himself, as if he were taking care of me.

Later, during the afternoon, Ryan wanted a favorite toy located on the top shelf, and no daddy couldn't get it,(he was working) and neither could I. Lo and behold out came the stool, the type that you place in front of the sink to brush your teeth. It held me, and reaching upward, I still couldn't reach. He then provided me with his fishing pole, and sure enough, I was able to bring it down with a tap. How does one reason all that at two years old? We had more fun trying to catch the butterflies with the nets as they were driven upward by a blower. He laughs so freely.

We spend the day, painting and reading and when I was driving him home to meet his brother who was coming home on the bus, he noticed we were using a different route. So when asked, I told him we were taking a short cut. Later in the day, he told me we took a short cut just like he understood perfectly. It's hard to believe that he is two.

I look forward to seeing him each week and each week we share new foods. Yesterday, I gave him carrot juice to try--it was picky that means he doesn't like it, but sweetly spares my feelings. I've never seen a two-year-old eat black olives the way he does. He likes syrup on most everything, and always wants to make eggs, beating them in the bowl while standing on a stool, which he provides.

Yesterday, he slept in a youth bed, as he was told he's not a baby but a big boy. He's growing so fast. Do I think for a moment that he thinks he's two? No way....

No matter what the age, we have become very good friends.

Say What

Great movies have come out throughout the years which are biblically based. Does that mean that they are accurate? I rather doubt it. Yet, they caputure diverse audiences of all ages. What does that say in my mind? It says that there is something in it for those who it captivates. Why else would you watch it...but to learn "what is in it for me?"

I have watched "The Bible" currently being featured on the History Channel. Why? Not to find Theological Value, but to be entertained. They are just stories, those I've heard before, with the author's twist or take on the subject. It is entertainment.

Stories of the bible never grow old because there is something greater in all of it than what can possibly be told by a television series, or movie. Yet, I've seen, in a time when faith seems to be at a standstill, much interest. How could that be?

It maybe that eveyone watching takes something away. Will it provoke you to the search for genuine and deep answers. Maybe, it will stir something deep within, or perhaps, result in an awakening.

What came across to me so far, is that the characters who appeared,  had a knowledge of who their God was, and I noticed they conversed with Him. They were not perfect, just like you and I, they were sinners. They had purpose, as we all do. Clearly, we saw the consequences of their actions, as we all have.

God does not call the those who are qualified to serve Him, rather, He qualifies the willing. How willing are we? Will we this time hear that small voice, the one we try to muffle by all our busyiness, and really take a good look at what the message is, that so many for so long, have tried to convey to us personally. Then what? Where do you go from here?

Saturday of Souls Day

Today we will pray for our dead family, friends and relatives. Those who have died in Christ. It is always good to remember them and all they meant to each and everyone of us. But, praying for their souls is a different matter, as we believe that it will help them in some way, unknown to us.

Many people share the view that people go straight up to heaven-- not so. It will be only after the final judgement when Christ will come again, that He will seperate the sheep from the goats.

Today is important, yet, not many will attend this Liturgy. During this time of prayer we will say the Troparion and Kontakion for the dead. It says that there is neither sickness nor sorrow, and no more sighing--but life everlasting. This is the message-- that with the saints, we pray that Christ will give rest to the souls of His servants. As He, and only He can.

And, it is up to us to ask. If you have love for those who have gone on before you, please take the time to remember them at this important Liturgy for the dead and by your prayers. That's the least you can do for those who did so much for you.

St. Anthony, for That which is lost

Did you ever lose something of value to you. Well I did yesterday. It was something that my husband gave to me, so it had become special in that way. I wore them all the time, as they seem to be the perfect size and went with everything. To say the least, I looked high and low, even used a flashlight under the couch, bed, everywhere I went. When he got home last night I told him that one of the earings that he had given me was lost and I felt horrible about not locating it. I first noticed it after my morning shower, fearing that it may have gone done the drain. Hoops normally would not fit. Then, perhaps it went down the drain of the sink while I was brushing my teeth. But that too was hardly likely.

Most of the time, I would just say a quick prayer to St. Anthony, as my mother taught me as a young child. Which, by the way always worked.

My husband, being always the eternal optimist, said not to worry, it will turn up. Apparently, we prayed to St. Anthony at the same time, as he related after, because I suddenly ran into the bathroom, stuck my hand in the pocket of my robe, felt something in the lower seam, and struggling to pull it out, found the missing earing.

In all of a matter of seconds, there it was. I don't how St. Anthony is able to answer prayers so quickly. It has always amazed me. This was not a case of forgetting where something was placed and forgotten. It was lost.

Thanks St. Anthony for being there for me, always.

The Happy Birthday Party

Sunday afternoon we were greated by the "biggest" snowman on the front lawn of my son and his wife's home. Little things say a lot and somehow grandparents notice even the things that we didn't have time to see when our own children were being raised. It was the seventh birthday celebration of our oldest grandson and everyone was happy to be able to share in his joy. His mom worked hard as usual everything was well planned out. Food was great, decorations and games. There was the unexpected of course, like Ryan's temperature and cold. It should not have come as a surprise as colds are going around this time of year. It impressed me how daddy knows everything about child raising and worked right along with his wife to allow her to pull off the perfect party. Today, as my husband John was getting ready for work, we talked about the kids, as we often do, and he mentioned the "cup", again. What was not planned for and what was experienced was the kindness of little Ryan as he sat eating his meal after waking from his nap. Most kids just think of themselves. Ryan offered his grandfather and me, pizza and something to drink, (cup).  At two he is generous and loving, always thinking of other's before himself. He was not even feeling well. People don't even do that when they are. All went well except poor Nate lost a front tooth. It was kicked out by one of the kids at the party. Don't know if they ever found it. Must have, as the tooth fairy came during the night. John says "if it's going to happen, it's going to happen to Nate." Life if full of surprises, good and bad. It is made up of memories from the past and present, scrapbooks of events. And it scoots right by. Nate and his dad are making preparations for the Pinewood Derby. It was just yesterday when the boys were doing the same thing. But one thing is certain, as history repeats itself, when your greeted by a large snowman, you know that someone is happily playing with their children. Smiles are good and so are birthday parties, but mostly, families that love one another. And the care and love that they give them will be the kids greatest gift back to them in years to come.

Thy Nativity O Christ our God

Children usually want to know all about  their birth. It is very important to know how you came into the world, who was there to greet you and were you cared for and loved. Most of us are born in a nearby hospital, and of course, mother is there to greet us and daddy, in most cases that I know of. This year, my husband bought me a very nice gift, that I will treasure for many years to come. It is a new nativity scene, having only three pieces. We know that story encompasses so much more. The church gives us a wonderful account of Christ's birth, in it's Troparion. "Your Nativity, O Christ our God, has shone to the world the light of wisdom! For by it, those who worshipped the stars, were taught by a star to adore You, the Sun of righteousness, and to know You, the Orient from on high. O Lord, Glory to You!" Everyone knows the story of the three kings, the angels and shepherds, the star and the wonder of it all....God hidden in a cave. The story is about a journey for all. Mary and Joseph, the three kings, the star that led them to the place, and us. God makes known to us the light of wisdom so that we not only will follow Him but come and Worship Him, giving Him the gift of our self. The light of His coming is the only Hope in a darkened world. He "is" the Light of the World...Glory be to Thee, O Lord, Glory be to Thee. I have received a wonderful gift and I am very thankful to have received it.Has your journey led you to that special place where you have found Him and have come to worship Him? There is no greater love.