Saying goodbye

Tomorrow is the first day of April, making today the final day, in the month of March. We are happy to end this month, taking hold of April with its promise of nice spring days. First, we have to get through April fool's day, which just happens to be my brother's birthday. That tells you something! We always used to look forward to teasing him, and other's. The way it went down is that we would say something which was not so....and try to get them to believe it. If they did....we would say, April Fool. It seems so ridiculous now, but it was fun for a large family back then, sort of playing, all in fun, and part of that, was to try and come up with something that the person would never guess. There is a downside to April Fools Day and that is, sometimes people think you are fooling them, and your not. My brother thought my mom was fooling when she announced that her robe had caught fire, while cooking in the kitchen. She caught her sleeves in the flames of a gas stove. Quick action saved her. I do not have a gas stove, but care should be made in wearing loose long sleeves when cooking. I'm all for joking around, but since that day, we changed our way of looking at April Fools Day. The only fool we knew after that, and of course, we never mentioned it, was my brother. I think mother nature is trying to fool us with the impending snow storm....What you do think?

Smile God loves You

Like many, I live to read the blogs that I find each day with varied subjects. Today, I happened upon the 10th rule of St. Benedict. It reminded me of the class we had last evening, where Diana and her husband Rich disclosed that they had attended a "marriage encounter course." One which teaches couples to exchange, their written feelings and thoughts. This is important because we are all individuals and have different ways of looking at things. Unless a discussion occurs, we may misread something someone has said, putting our own perspective on the subject, incorrectly. St. Benedict, in the setting he may have been in, certainly would not call for laughter, or any loudness or rudeness. My thoughts agreeably, would be that a charming person would never laugh out loud, but would show some teeth. I have been blessed with a sense of humor. There are times when I would want to belt out laughter, and roar over some stupid thing someone else has done, but restrain my self, thinking it to be unchristian like--and, a sort of degrading response to the other. God, I think, must have a wonderful smile and personality that matches His goodness. The first thing that anyone does, who approaches someone to help or greet, usually is wearing a smile. Especially, babies and children. It immediately answers their concern of your disposition. Have you ever tried to greet someone with a frown? I think it is always wise to put things in perspective. A smile usually indicates a person to be receptive, loving, friendly and caring. Laughter is something quite different. Somewhere, in my memory, I hear the laughter of children on a swing or, from watching a bubble go up into the sky, seeing fireworks on the 4th of July, a beautifully decorated birthday cake, Christmas morning, Pascha and egg finding. Or, excitedly passing the baton to another in a relay race and many other moments, like getting a piggy back ride from daddy. If you've been around children then you know there is such a thing a holy laughter, one of the best gifts that our Creator has given to us. It comes from the joy that we feel. Feelings are not wrong--they just are. Laughter is an essential part of our makeup. The book we have been sharing, For the Life of the World, fifth chapter "The Mystery of Love," talked about an elderly couple on a bench. They, in their many years together, created a small kingdom of love, having become King and Queen to each other, in their own little world. The author, speaking about an old and poor couple said the following: "They were sitting hand in hand, in silence, enjoying the pale light, the last warmth of the season. In silence: all words had been said, all passion exhausted, all storms at peace. The whole life was behind--yet all of it was now present, in this silence, in this light, in this warmth, in the silent unity of hands. Present--and ready for eternity, ripe for joy. " This is (Alexander Schmemann's) vision of marriage, of its heavenly beauty. The mystery of a working marriage is faith, work and love. To get to a stage where you do not need to say anything---cause you just know, and understand what the other is feeling, having taken a lifetime to find out--to love someone deeply regardless of the many imperfections, because you no longer see them, or they have become insignificant. And, yes, knowing that love is the treasure that you will keep for all eternity, present and shared together. The stones in the crowns placed on your head, during the wedding service, have become diamonds in polished gold, in it's fulfillment. Your love together, and the love of Christ, have transformed the world. Together, as you look upon each another, there is a smile, and a joy which springs eternal. Love is a gift. My mom and I used to sing this song when I was a child, maybe you remember it... Smile though your heart is aching... Smile even though it's breaking... when there are clouds in the sky you'll get by... If you smile through your fears and sorrow... smile and maybe tomorrow... you'll see the sun come shinning through for you... if you just smile. Life is not easy, but we are reminded that we are never alone. Smile, God loves you... So come on, show those pearly whites, and put on a happy face.

Special

This was a great weekend! We had the grand kids overnight on Friday, for no special reason, but it was special for us. What fun they are to be around. Before taking them home on Saturday, we decided to check out the airport, having heard several planes in the area but unfortunately, we didn't get to see any take off or land. It was extremely cold up on the hill and although it is spring, signs of the winter remain. Looking out of our window to the back wood, much snow lingers, while all the neighbors are snow free, as just about everyone else is. We seem to get it all. Signs of life are present if you look for them, like the pussy willows that have sprouted, and are a welcome sign of the wonder to come. The bush is one that I planted many years ago, from the tray of freshly cut willows placed with daffodils on the feast day of Holy Cross. We celebrated that feast day today, and then we went out to lunch on a wonderful sunny afternoon, which could have much warmer. Soon it will be time for vacation and I can't wait to be at the beach soaking in the sun, while walking the shoreline. Life is special and sometimes things happen, unexpectedly, like tonight, for no reason at all, my husband gave me a bouquet of roses. Love is what gives life meaning. It's those little special things that we do for one another, just because. He is a very sweet and special man. I'm lucky to have him in my life. Love springs eternal....

Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos

Gabriel announces the glad tidings to God's chosen vessel and upon her acceptance, salvation came into the world, among men; "He who cannot be contained is contained in a womb; the Timeless enters time; and His conception is without seed, His emptying as past telling: So great is this mystery! Fashioned as a creature, when the angel tells the pure Virgin of her conception: 'Hail, thou who art full of grace: the Lord who has great mercy is with thee.' "

"Gabriel, leader of the powers above, flew down and greeted the Virgin, saying: 'Hail, thou pure chariot of the divinity: God has loved thee from eternity, and He has chosen thee to be His dwelling. As a servant of thy Master am I come to proclaim His coming. Thou shalt bring forth the Lord, yet still remain inviolate.'

Small Vespers of the Annunciation of the Most Holy Theotokos, (Tone 8)

'When God so wishes,' said the bodiless angel, the order of nature is overcome, and what is beyond man comes to pass. Believe that my sayings are true, O all-holy Lady, utterly without spot.' And she cried aloud, 'Let it be unto me according to thy word: and I shall bear Him that is without flesh, who shall borrow flesh from me, that through this mingling He may lead man up unto his ancient glory, for He alone has power so to do'

Great Vespers, (Tone 6)

"The Theotokos heard a voice she knew not, when the Archangel brought her the glad tidings of the Annunciation; and accepting the salutation with faith, she conceived Thee the pre-eternal God, who was pleased to become man ineffably, for the salvation of our souls.. " (Tone 4)

"Today is the crown of our salvation and the manifestation of the mystery that is from all eternity. The Son of God becomes Son of the Virgin, and Gabriel announces the good tiding of grace."

"Having conceived God in ways past understanding, O Maiden, thou hast escaped from the ordinances of nature. For though by nature moral, thou wast not subject to the established laws of motherhood. Therefore, as is meet, dost thou hear the salutation: 'Hail, thou who art full of grace: the Lord is with thee.' "

"Let the heavens be glad and the earth rejoice: for the Son who is co eternal with the Father, sharing His throne and like Him without beginning, in His compassion and merciful love for mankind has submitted Himself to emptying, according to the good pleasure and the counsel of the Father; and He has gone to dwell in a virgin's womb that was sanctified beforehand by the Spirit, O marvel! God is come among men;"(Tone 8)

Resource: The Festal Menaion translated by; Mother Mary and Kallistos Ware

A story of Life and Death

Today salvation came to the world, for today the Virgin Mary holds in her womb the uncontainable God, by choice.

This is no ordinary feast day.

Everything hung upon the decision of a young woman, Mary. No, this was not predestination, as erroneously held by some, and yes, she was pure, born under the same sentence as we, having come from the offspring of parents who were living on earth, also subjected to the condition as a result of the sin of Adam and Eve, death and destruction.

Today, joy is revealed to a pure maiden, that upon agreement, she would be the Theotokos, Mother of God, The God bearer. God has found favor upon her. The Son of God, who in His birth will restore humanity to its rightful state by destroying death by His Death. All that was required by her was, YES. We are all given the chance to accept God's will. He is not a God who forces anything on us, nor did He force Himself onto Mary. She was given the "free will" choice presented by Angel Gabriel. Mary, could have said no. God knew she wouldn't. The road ahead would not be easy for a young Jewish maiden, nor all the ways that would pierce her heart. The heart of a mother is generous with compassion and love for her offspring. Mary did not have any other children, as some erroneously think. Jesus was her only child, the Son she delivered, and who, upon her death, delivered her.

Today is a story of Life and Death. A life that began in the womb. "The Son of God becomes the Son of Mary. A great mystery is revealed. Mary's, decision, was made manifest and He dwelt in her womb. Mary, Theotokos, above all creatures, O Pure One, Rejoice O full of Grace, the Lord is with you. It is He that will and has, vanquished death for all eternity, our God, your Son and the hope of all humanity.

This is a story about Life. A Life that springs Eternal. Life that is offered to you and me. That begins in the womb of Mary.

As Angel Gabriel knew, this was no ordinary mission, no ordinary accomplishment. This is the day we celebrate the Annunciation, of the Alpha and the Omega, First and Last, Beginning and ending, the Word of God made flesh, the Only begotton Son of God and Mary, for the salvation of the world.

Rejoice ever Virgin Bride.

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.