The Occupier

Whats dwelling in your mind. If negative thoughts exist, they can cause you to take on an unknown occupier. This dweller, if not kept in check, can ruin your life. My dad used to call it a state of defeatism. It is a state of mind that causes one to feel a sense of hopelessness. A case where its occupation takes up little space at first, then takes on your whole existence. The person that allows this attitude to dominate its life, usually based on past experience, will invite fear and destruction, disallowing happiness. My mom used to call it carrying the world on your shoulders.  How does that work for you? Can your past dictate your future? Only if you allow it to. So why do you? Accept change..Be the change. Decide to change.. Sometimes our problems stem from our attitude. The attitude that says "I can't--meaning I won't."  Most of the time we dig our own rut in life. Simplify, start with basics. Do we really need all we say we do? Maybe it's time to focus elsewhere, beside yourself. Sometimes people crash in order to pick up the pieces. New beginnings are good--life is good. Choose not to be consumed by things, nor laid down by cares. Live life one day at a time--it is a gift. Just ask the dying. What are you allowing to steal your joy?

No-one wants to be around people who chose to be anything but joyful. We all have our share of problems. If you you don't unload, the "occupier" will take over until there will be no room for anything or anyone else in your life. You do know that you can choose to be happy. Sometimes it takes a little help. Luckily, I have amazing friends who are faith-filled and who display amazing courage, and who, despite all their problems, find it in their heart to love and care for others.

Let us make room for happy. Decide to turn a new leaf, putting into your existence happy thoughts and positive actions. Eventually, there will be no room for the negative occupier--throw the bum out.

We have a Community Meal, which is church sponsored, where people gather joyfully to share in the company of others, share a meal and chit-chat a bit. Sometimes we are very aware of the plight of others. Happy seems to come to all who attend, and it is contagious, even if it is for a short time, we leave our cares outside. There can be made a time for more pressing issues, but not at the dinner table.

People are already looking forward to the wonderful Thanksgiving meal that will soon be upon us. Thankful is a good state of mind. We should clothe ourselves in it. Sharing is a good thing..It is a friendly and happy time.

We have a wonderful Parish Church where people truly love one-another. It is where hymns and  words of wisdom permeate us, such as: "Let us lay aside all earthly cares." This is a good place to begin... Sunday worship, where we learn that we are not alone,  never have been, nor, will we ever be.

I'm too Busy!

Today I read about the mounting concern for Ebola and its consequence. We are to be as prepared as possible. This includes prayer, fasting and almsgiving. If you've forgotten God in your bussiness, time to begin this thought process. Many people today are so busy that they have forgotten all about the first commandment of God. Putting Him first in our lives, the lives that He gives us now and forever. In fact, some actually make themselves so busy that there is no time to worship, or even sit and listen to God, in our stillness. Extra events come before a personal relationship with our maker. Time on this earth is shorter than you think. Take time to think about that.

Yesterday, I wrote about the Lord's Prayer, which  (Jesus) gave to us. It can be found in your bible. I hope parents teach their children to recite it often. There is another prayer that children learn from their parents. It goes like this:

Now I lay me down to sleep,
I pray the Lord my soul to keep,
If I should die before I wake,
I pray the Lord my soul to take.

This prayer is easy to remember and it is one that should be said before children go to bed. One night, my sister Ruth, who used to say this prayer with me when we were children, kneeling by our bedside, went to bed and never woke up. She did not live to a ripe old age.

Last night I had a dream about her. She was pregnant sitting in a swimming pool of water. I remember that she was happy, and then, I saw that I was pregnant too. Dreaming about water is always a good sign for me.

Those who knew my sister Ruth, will recall how beautiful a person she was in many ways and how much she loved her four children, and her grandchildren.

Every week I pray for her soul during our church worship service. Prayer is essential to our lives. We need to tell our creator how grateful we are for our lives and those whom He has given us to love. Memory Eternal Ruth.

Deliver Us from Evil

My parents taught me to pray when I was just a little girl. Dutifully I would recite the words with difficulty, somethings stick with you. The Lord's Prayer has. There was no "what does that mean?" then. Now, there is no need to explain. Jesus gave us this perfect prayer and some may not believe in Him, but they certainly know now what evil is to some extent. The words are specific. "Deliver us from evil." That requires belief in a God that will, because of His love for us, provide protection.

Evil comes to us in many forms. What can eradicate those who choose to destroy others? Simply action. First, understand that we are not alone, God is with us, always. He will not leave us nor forsake us. Second, know that Love is stronger than Hate and it always wins in the end. Third, God tells us in His Word to "Be Not Afraid."

I sometimes recall a little decoration that I saw on the desk of the kids grandparents as they were growing up. Three monkeys said with their action over their ears, eyes and mouth, "see no evil, hear no evil, and say no evil." There are times when you must act in defense of the innocent, but wisely, not to provoke a more serious and growing conflict. Would it not be better if we were to grow love and not hate? Evil must be contained at all cost, there just is no other way.

It seems evil will always be with us, in many forms. So here's the challenge for today...Double your acts of kindness and show others you care. There are many who are needy in many ways. We can hold doors for others--it's okay to be civil and polite. Begin everything with a prayer, He is watching. Evil, like a virus, can and will be defeated.

We are a society of civilized people who have experienced a better way of life, if we so choose. Roll up your sleeves there is work to do, look around and stop complaining. We need ACTION!

As for those who simply decide not to choose love, nothing good will await them period. Like the movie 4th of July, they live to destroy us, and this action must be stopped. Can they change, maybe. Can we forgive, yes we can. That is what it is all about, love not hate. It seems by their action, they have decided their fate. You are what you choose to be. Your choice.

Since the beginning of time we see that the brothers Cain and Able did not get along, but that never changed the fact that they, like we are, brothers after all. What kind of world do we want to live in? One full of hate or one full of Love? The message is clear, "love one another." We must stop the spread of hatred and that is not an easy task. It will take unity and endless sacrifice. So what else is new? It is the message confronting us now, one that is not new to us, and it does not need defining--do or die.

 Lord, deliver us from evil, Amen.

It's a Matter of Choosing the Shepherd

Several days ago, at Old Sturbridge Village we enjoyed watching the game called tug of war. Clearly everyone wanted to be on the winning side. It brought back memories of my childhood, when we also played tug-of-war with family and friends. That meant picking a winning team. Like the game of baseball that was played in our backyard, it was obvious to us who could hit, catch and who would pitch. Tug-of-war was like that in some ways, choosing and working, all at the same time, with a common goal. We tried to side up with who we thought could win. Understanding of the game was just as important  as knowing it was just for fun.

While watching the news yesterday clearly, people are choosing sides for a battle that is growing more serious. This unlike tug of war, is certainly no childs play. The anchor person that I watched had a very intense look on his face, while others I observed, were calling for intervention. It is no time for rash decisions, each and every move must be well thought out. More than that, prayed about. Many are crying out in the wilderness.

 David was always one of my favorite kings, recalling that he knew, with the help of God, nothing was too great a task, and as he slew Goliath, he proved that size is unimportant, Trusting in God is. What is important is what side you choose to be on. David knew how, when and where to strike. Often our greatest enemy is our own fear, fear has to do with not trusting. God supplies all our need according to His plan and purpose. Let go and let God. He will not abandon nor forsake us, who call on His name.

It is wise to look back, for history does repeat itself, for answers to serious questions. I always ask myself what does the bible say? The prophets? Surely, we are living in times that reflect some of the actions of our early Christians. Remember, God has prepared a table before us in the presence of our enemies.

The prophet of Isaiah begins in Chapter 40:1 with the words "Comfort, yes comfort My people, says God." God has our back. He is our hope, our ONLY Hope!  And always will be.
 Isaiah Chapter 40 vs. 3 "The voice of one crying in the wilderness: " prepare the way of the Lord; make straight, and the rough places into plains. The glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see the salvation of God: for the Lord has spoken."
 
(Matthew 3:3) "For this is he who was spoken of by the prophet Isaiah, saying: 'The voice of one crying in the wilderness; prepare the way of the Lord; Make His paths straight.' "
The New Testament tells us in, Matthew 3-:13) John Baptizes Jesus in the Jordan.
 (The new testament also reveals who the Lord and shepherd is), in Psalm 23:1 "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."


John, Chapter 10:11 "I am the good Shepherd; and I know My sheep, and am known by My own. "( words of Jesus).

Do you know the Shepherd?
Isaiah Chapter 40: "All flesh is grass, and all man's glory is like the flower of the field. (vs; 7) "The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God abides forever."
Isaiah Chapter 40:9-11 "lift up your voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid.""Behold your God. Behold the Lord is coming with strength, and His arm is with authority. Behold, His reward is with Him, and His work before Him. He will feed His flock like a shepherd and gather the lambs with His arm: and He will comfort those with young."

Psalm 27: 11 "Teach me Your way, O Lord, and lead me in a smooth path, because of my enemies. Do not deliver me to the will of my adversaries;"
(14) Wait on the Lord; be of good courage, and He shall strengthen your heart; Wait, I say, on the Lord!



All scripture references have been taken from the Orthodox Study Bible

Tug of War

How long will America continue to be a leading Nation, people are asking? People praying to God for wisdom, who are united under Him, trusting in Him, will never fail. He has our back.

If you've ever been on a road trip then you know, once you get off in a wrong direction, it is imperative to get back on track. We are heading seriously down the wrong road, which is placing us in peril. The reason I believe this is that we are not of one mind. When we talk at the same time, no one can hear. We need strong leadership and a willingness to listen, then a willingness to find a solution--together.

We have always been a "can do" type of people having solutions for everything, sometime even using duck tape, whatever we can find-- we do not believe in failure. Where is this "feel sorry" for yourself attitude coming from? In making excuses are you look for a pass? What have you done for someone else today? Or perhaps you've been watching to much television and acting like the cowardly lion. The brave men who died for our country, having the courage to do what was necessary and right, continued with bravery to fight the good fight. They knew that the only way to win is to go through the battle, unafraid. It is the only way that we have known FREEDOM in this country. We must be brave enough to be free.

What we have always been to the world and to each other, is a supportive, compassionate people. We do not turn our backs to people in need, because we are an incredibly strong, generous and courageous people. God has blessed us with all we need and all resources. We have no excuse.

There is a solution to today's situation that we learned from our forefathers. Tug of War is a game we played as children, which taught us basics. First, we stand united at the ready. We are in control together,  having what we need--unity and a strong leader, we are linked together in a cause--to win. We cannot afford to lose. Pulling the rope together, on the same team, focused, having one-mindedness we act together to achieve our goal.

United we stand, divided we fall. We don't get a second chance. One, two, three--pull.

Then pull again together until you achieve your winning goal.

Notice that the word "WE" is used here, not I. We are a melting pot of the best people in the world. This is our country, land of the free and home of the BRAVE.

Coming to a Head

My parents used to warn us about keeping things in perspective. Personality types in one house helped us to learn what that meant. Some were cool headed and some were not. We actually need both type of people in this world for balance. Sometimes you had to set a fire under some to get them to move, and for other's you had to hold them back.

Timing is always important, the right action at the right time, we learned from experience.

During the '55 flood, it was said by authorities that we should stay put until the alarm was sounded then, head for high ground. My parents were split on this one, and dad winning out, did not wait. The dams broke and by the time the alarm sounded, many were trapped in their homes. We were set on high ground, safely.

Sometimes, you have got to listen to alarmists. Other times, when you know when to strike with preparedness, your result will be greater, as time allows you to plan for the unexpected with allies.

This week I observed two things that were coming to a head, --one, the ant hill forming outdoors on my front garden and one already chewing up my deck. Both took place within days, unnoticed until there was some damage. We can anticipate the coming of these critters, but even spraying doesn't get them all and we must keep them in check. The small things in life can bite you in the wallet if you don't keep an eye out. This is a small crisis which unchecked can become larger.

The long and short of it is that I want to get them all "now" and it will drive me crazy if I don't. Type A. Other people know that their lives are short lived and they do not get too excited. Surely enough, after the exterminator sprayed, all activity ended for the nests that had developed almost overnight. Unfortunately, we will not rid ourselves of the ants, living near the woods. "Where there is a will there is a way", (one of my mom's favorite sayings). Christians never lose hope.

This all brings to mind the current crisis of ISIS. They are like the ants, everywhere and threatening people who are trying to live their life in peace, with destruction. Presently, like a pimple, we are treating this situation with a mild solution, which possibly will be ineffective, and may develop into a head. This one may hurt.

 It is easy to invade anything that does not fight back. In our country we call that cowardly. Remember the old slogan "what goes around comes around." It is one of the universal unseen laws, like what goes up must come down.

The small ant hill possibly had 300 ants in it's army and with one treatment, they didn't know what hit them. Dead as a doornail, they were exterminated. The difference is, once detected, we are watching for them and stand ready. There is no great rush, we will get them using every trick in the book, like sugar and vinegar. If that doesn't work, we have other remedies.

There are times when you have a pimple that you must let come to a head, then after it ripens, you must squish it like a bug.

Patience is a virtue not be underestimated. We are prepared and we are not alone, ever. Somewhere in my youth I recall a song--"in the jungle a mighty jungle a lion sleeps tonight." What happens to him when he is provoked and awake? It's sort of like the story of not awakening a sleeping giant, this time though, I'm not referring to a fairy tale.

Mary

Many do not know when I refer to the Dormition of the Most-Holy Theotokos what is implied. Since we Orthodox recently celebrated the feastday "falling asleep of Mary, the Mother of God," I recall some twenty-eight years ago, through this Icon, Orthodoxy and Mary revealed itself to me, and as a result, led me into the fullness of the faith.

Yesterday, at a train station, while conversing with a well seasoned christian, who said that in his church, Mary's death was not even discussed. If it were important it would have appeared in the word, so it is of no consequence, he continued. I told him that Tradition was important in the understanding of the bible, as well as the Word. Icons also have a way of showing the event without even uttering a word, for those who can't hear, also for children and those who cannot read.

Actually there are many references in the bible that place Mary the Theotokos (Godbearer) in highest esteem such as: Psalm 45:17 "I will make Your name to be remembered in all generations; Therefore the people shall praise You forever and ever."  And in Luke 1:48 Mary filled with the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, predicted the honor that would be paid her throughout history. "For behold, henceforth all generations will call me blessed."  The study aid of verse 48 says that "It is not possible to believe and obey the Bible and not bless the Mother of God."

A special hymn is sung to express Mary's unique place in creation.
"It is truly right to bless you, O Theotokos, ever-blessed and most pure, and the mother of our God. More honorable than the Cherubim, and more glorious beyond compare than the Seraphim, without defilement you gave birth to God the Word: True Theotokos, we magnify you."

We venerate Mary because she is God's mother . He chose her and sets her apart. She is the queen of heaven. That is found in Psalm 45:v9b. "At Your right hand stands the queen in gold from Ophir."

Our Lord and Savior, having become one like us Phil2:5-8"who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross."

Jesus, emptying himself, becoming human, incarnate and fully man by nature, having taken flesh from Mary his own mother, who He did miracles for, at her pleading, at the wedding at Cana, and left to the care of his beloved apostle, John-- does anyone seriously think he would have abandoned her at the time of her death?

 We venerate Mary and entreat her, as the human being most intimate with Christ on earth, to intercede with her Son on our behalf, for guidance and protection. We do not worship her and certainly the bible tells us that she is in heaven.

Most Holy Mother of our God have mercy on us.

Scriptual references have been taken from the Orthodox Study Bible