Happy Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day to all of you who are privileged to bear the title of motherhood. As well, it is a special day to remember also those who are no longer with us, who devoted their lives to having raised children, and in some cases grandchildren. They deserve our gratitude, loving memories and prayers. Let us not forget those in waiting, for the anticipated blessing of their lifetime, with the hope, joy and honor bestowed upon them and their new arrival. Your life is about to dramatically change--forever. You have our best wishes.

Today, I got a special surprise when my nephew came over with a card and gift. He has been like a son to me, and is one of my many godchildren. Now grown up and towering over me, he makes all mother's and godmothers proud. What was so unique about the present, was not the cost but the thought. I have wanted for many years, a replacement of the cherished plant called the umbrella, which produces lovely little white flowers in the spring. It resembles a clover plant, and was part of a collection that my mother cultivated, giving starter plants to friends and family. I had received a piece of her plant, which I lost and hoped one day to replace.

I have memories of my first born son, born in April, having the flowered plant on his dresser. It has special significance to me and is greatly appreciated. I know that Matt potted the plant himself, and came with directions on how to care for it. How did he know?

It's the little things in life that mean a lot to mothers. The first time you look into your baby's eyes, their first little laugh--when you know that they are truly happy. Their first step and everything new that they accomplish from day one to full grown adults.

Once your a mother, your given a sixth sense, becoming like a mom to all, and nurturing is what you can't help but be to everything and everyone you put your hands on.  And, as if that isn't enough, you sometimes get the chance to do it all over again with the grand kids. There is no greater joy!

My sister, who has gone to her eternal rest and who I miss so much, was a mother of four children. One mother's day she presented me with a heart-shaped pink box which has been one of my favorite keepsakes throughout the years. It reads: "A mother's love is the fairest flower that grows in God's garden."

Well said...We will get together to share dinner and it will be divine. And yes, Ryan grandma made the chocolate cupcakes with green frosting and jimmies, and Nate you'll have your chocolate-chip cookies with vanilla ice cream. Family means the world to me and I'm lucky to be so loved.

Be Still Oh My Soul

Looking out of the window, I thought of these words, Be Still Oh My Soul. How often do we want to just be doing nothing --with a list a mile long, yet the wisdom in it.

I was born in a small town, which is more like a small city now, and live on the outskirts.  City-like with it's traffic lights and structural development, it even has it's own hospital, cancer center, YMCA, fire and police, fully staffed, large library, and an abundance of churches. I guess you could say we have it all in many ways. It is not like the neighboring towns that surround us, in fact they have been utilizing our commodities for as long as I can remember. We have a beautiful golf course, and our own airport.

One might think this the ideal place to live, not like in a smaller town, where many have to rely on their own septic systems and wells for water. Luckily, in this area, we have an abundance of resources. What's lacking here, is employment, like many towns established in the early 1800's.

Having been exposed to the mid-west with the threat of tornadoes constantly, and the east and west coast cities, I find where I am to be a blessing. I didn't feel that way when I was younger. Then, I thought that there was nothing for us to do, except chores. Coming back this way, I fell in love with the environment, clean and green, and grew a new appreciation for my birthplace. A place of hills and valleys, just like life. We are surrounded by lakes,  and water resources in natural settings having many varieties of birds, and wildlife.

It is so quiet here right now that one would have to invent noise, which is not the case in most cities. Yet, people get used to their surrounding sounds and accept the punishing pace as natural and unassuming. They probably do not know what it means to be "still" and just quiet, the way a baby looks when it sleeps. It's crazy to live life on a rail. And sadly, most people do not even realize their pace.

Today I've taken the time to observe stillness. The stillness outside the darkened sky, where nothing absolutely nothing is moving, because there is no wind. Nature has taken the time to take it all in. Perhaps, waiting for the nourishing rainfall, we all need to be refreshed, in a like manner. There is a time for resting, even though for many, life goes on by the calendar of scheduled events. We become frazzled and anxious--and as well, sick. Realization for some, comes too late.

Let us take a lesson from nature, and in our stillness just breathe. Be showered with the luxury of rest. Chew your food before you swallow it, and open your eyes to the beauty in your midst. Finally, Spring is here, and in this valley, beauty everywhere has begun. Drink in the stillness--it won't always be this way, for nothing lasts forever.

Stirring Up The Water

The Pool of Bethesda becomes a place of miracles at a certain time of year, having an angel stirring up the water for a blessing for the first recipient to step forth after the stirring. That person, would receive  a healing of whatever disease he had. According to John 5:3-4. Many sick people, waited for the water's movement, the blind, lame, paralyzed--a great multitude of hope-filled people came. John reveals in the next verse that a man had been there, who had an infirmity thirty-eight years. Jesus knows that he had been in that condition a long time and poses this question to him "Do You Want To Be Made Well."

Several times, it is made mention that it was the Sabbath, a day which is unlawful to carry his bed. Yet, this man, who was a Jewish paralytic man, is not only healed, but does in fact, carry his bed. The Jews seemed less interested in the miracle, but in seeking the one who healed him, saying in verse (12) "Who is the man who said to you "Take up your bed and walk'?"

The infirm man in verse (7) said to Jesus, "Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is stirred up; but while I am coming, another steps down before me."

After 38 years, this man still had a shade of hope, even though he may have believed that he wouldn't have been fast enough to be the first one in the stirred water, he still was there, he came, wanting to be made well. Even so, Jesus stimulated the sick man's faith. 

A common belief was that illness and misfortune were divine retribution for sin. Jesus tells him in the temple, (14) "See you have been made well. Sin no more, lest a worse thing come upon you."

It has been made clear that you must step forward in faith to receive healing, if healing is what your heart desires.

Healing requires patience and the willingness to keep on trying. This says to the reader, never give up no matter how long it takes. Jesus loves you and desires all to be saved. Believe it and your life will be changed forever.

Scripture reference is taken from the Orthodox Study Bible, John 5:3-15

Christ Is Risen

On Holy Friday evening we are given the Gospel reading according to Matthew (27: 62-66) in the service book of Holy Week and Easter, used widely in the Orthodox Church. The Pharisees are gathered before Pilate remembering that Jesus, (whom they referred to as an "impostor") predicted that after three days He would rise again. And, thinking that His disciples could steal Him away, and tell the people that "He has risen from the dead," would make it a greater "fraud" than the first. Pilot told them to "make it as secure as you know how." They made the tomb as secure as possible, sealing the stone and setting a guard.

Their plan failed, while His disciples, afraid of the same fate, were found to be hiding when the news came to them. Matthew 28:2-10 (Sunday: Christ is Risen) tells us -- "Now after the Sabbath, as the first day of the week began to dawn, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary came to see the tomb. And behold, there was a great earthquake; for an angel of the Lord descended from heaven, and came and rolled back the stone from the door, and sat on it. His countenance was like lightning, and his clothing as white as snow. And the guards shook for fear of him, and became like dead men."

"But the angel answered and said to the women, "Do not be afraid, for I know that you seek Jesus who was crucified. He is not here for He is risen, as He said. Come, see the place where the Lord lay. And go quickly and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead, and indeed He is going before you into Galilee; there you will see Him. Behold, I have told you."

On Holy Saturday evening the words of the ninth ode cut to the heart when Jesus says "Mother, it is of my own will that earth covers me, but the gatekeepers of Hades shudder seeing me clothed in a robe stained with the blood of vengeance. For as God, having vanquished the enemies on the Cross, I will rise and magnify you."

"Let creation rejoice; let the earthborn be glad; for Hades the enemy has been despoiled. Let the women meet me with fragrant spices; for I liberate Adam, with Eve, and all their line, and on the third day I will rise."

"Having become earthly, though the Creator, You made the earthborn new; the shroud and the tomb merely manifest the inherent mystery, Word of God. For the respected councilor carries out the will of Your Father, who renews me gloriously in You."

"You transformed the corruptible into in-corruption and showed it to be the fountain of resurrection into life immortal."

"This is the day of resurrection! O people, let us be radiant. It is Pascha, the Lord's Passover; for Christ God has carried us over from death to life, from earth to heaven, as we sing a victory hymn."

Christ is the only way, only hope and the salvation of our souls. Glory be to His saving passion and resurrection. 
Christ is Risen, Indeed He has Risen!

Peace and Quiet

Today was one of those days that I appreciate the most, looking out of my kitchen window toward the wooded area, which was snow-covered and peaceful, I observed the critters moving about, silently. It was one of the reasons that we fell in love with the land in which our home is built. Solitude and peacefulness is something that comes with a cost just as those who purchase land on a lake or sea coast. I cherish the beauty of the gardens and relish the clean air we breathe. It wasn't that long ago that I recall swinging my grandsons on a beautiful sunlit morning, while we watched the birds gather seeds from the hanging feeders. My own little corner of the world, you might say.

Day in and day out I read about the controversy going on such as those wanting to foster the unity on campus, and in silence, I ponder the situation. You can't please everyone all of the time. There is such a thing as the rule of fairness. My grandfathers came from other countries with the hope of a better life for themselves and their offspring, (us). They didn't come here to change our country, but to become part of the great melting pot of ethnic people that exist here. This is after all an "All America City" we live in by choice. Freedom means having a choice to live where we want.

Years ago, growing up here, in a small town, I recall all seven of us eating at the table where a very nice chocolate pie was being served. Mom sliced it up without a measure, trying to cut seven pieces evenly. Still some objected saying "hey, your piece is bigger than mine." Nothing is perfect! We learn to deal with it. There is to be no favoritism if we expected peace and harmony. Co-existing is hard work. Nothing comes easy in this world, we all must try to do our best to get along with our brothers.

At 6 P.M. the fire whistle would blow from the station which was located near Main Street, and as a younger student, it didn't bother me. Years later as a mother, trying to put my baby to bed, it was a different story. Every time the alarm went off, it scared him so that I'd end up having to rock him to calm him down. Didn't like it one bit, but had to put up with it. After all, it announced possible quitting time at work, evening. Maybe it was the way people knew what time it was and they set their watches to it. I don't really know....It just was.

Everyone knows how annoying it is for someone to be leaning on their horn, any time of the day. It was one of my moms pet peeves. Another, annoyance would be loud music blaring from a parked car, or someones home music center. Anyone having the luxury of a practicing instrumentalist or drum player close by--gets it. Airplanes, and loud trucks, especially those cleaning up roads all hours of the night--get it.

We get used to noise that I call pollution. Noise pollution is at times unhealthy just as dirty air is unhealthy to the body. Living in the city I recall that the noise from subway trains would keep me from going to sleep. After a while, you sort of get used to it. Around here, before and after a certain time, noise can be considered "breaking the law." Most people have respect for their neighbor and wait until a decent time to run a lawn mower or chain saw.

Respecting others is a great way to keep the peace. Honestly I don't know how churches are allowed to play songs from their bell tower to be heard at great distances, without disturbing someones peace. Some go off right next door practically to other churches or, at the same time. If it's good for the goose it's good for the gander, so it is said.

A group of students petitioned Duke College to allow over a speaker system,  on Friday afternoons, broadcasting from Duke Chapel Bell tower, "a call to prayer."  Some view this as much a way of advertising as ringing a bell, so to speak. Church bells are rung all the time, without objection, whether it is disturbing someone's peace or not. I've heard that the call to prayer method is vocalized and can be utilized in some places sometimes five times a day, from predawn, sunset and sunrise. That is not what is being asked for here though, right now. Duke has reversed its decision, fearing that the once thought of fostering unity on campus, has met with the opposite effect.

It seems, according to WNCN -- "Franklin Graham had some harsh words for Duke." Reports of "pulling funding" and some security concerns were instrumental in the reverse decision making of Duke authority. Some fear that Christians, who are the majority there, are being pushed to the back, so to speak. I wonder if its more apathy, than anything else.

In the end, basic rules like "keep it simple, stupid" apply. Or, "when in doubt, leave it out."

What benefits all? My vote is for "peace and quiet"...

I believe in God, but I'm not religious

Today I found out that a popular saying means several different things. St. Paul in the midst of the Areopagus had something to say about it. Acts 17:22 "Men of Athens, I perceive that in all things you are very religious; (23) for as I was passing through and considering the objects of your worship, I even found an altar with this inscription: TO THE UNKNOWN GOD. Therefore, the One whom you worship without knowing, I proclaim to you:" After reading this, "being religious" takes on a new meaning.

How can you really worship an unknown God? How can you love someone you don't know?

Paul goes on to tell us who He is: (24)"God, who made the world and everything in it, since He is Lord of heaven and earth, does not dwell in temples made with hands. (25) Nor is He worshiped with men's hands, as though He needed anything, since He gives to all life, breath, and all things. (26) And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, so that they should seek the Lord in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; (28) for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring.' (29) Therefore, since we are the offspring of God, we ought not to think that the Divine Nature is like gold or silver or stone, something shaped by art and man's devising. (30) Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent, (31) because He has appointed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by the Man whom He has ordained. He Has given assurance of this to all by raising Him from the dead." (some having believed what Paul said, followed him.)

I wonder if I had to approach people, who somewhat believed in God, and who did not know Him, what I would  say. Paul talks about the creation of all, life-giver, repentance toward God, the Resurrection of Christ from the dead, and judgement of all mankind.

I wonder if people today understand things in the same way, that is, they know and believe that there is a God, but not having the luxury of being "churched" really do not know Him, nor do they know how or where to go, if they had an interest/desire to learn more. There are so many religions to choose from. Luckily, my parents were church goers but there are some who were not as fortunate. How would you decide?

The bible goes on to say "to join Paul and to believe meant to "enter" the Church as the corporate expression of Christian existence."

Entering the Church has everything with your belief. If you don't go, it says clearly that you are on the fence and not really to sure about things concerning "faith" in God. Remember the unclean spirits knew who Jesus was. Knowing who God is, does not save you. Maybe other "things" are your god. May be at this time you think you don't need God in your life. Whatever the reason, time is marching on, and will be at a point, spent.

The bible explicitly says that;(Acts 17:30)"Truly, these times of ignorance God overlooked, but now commands all men everywhere to repent,"

When I hear someone say,  "I believe in God, but I'm not religious" I hear in my mind the "but", which prepares me for the excuse to come. It says to me, I'm not interested. Perhaps, it might be they do not feel the need to experience God and what He has to offer, or maybe they are too busy. Preoccupied, their time is more important.

One can believe in God, but without works it is fruitless. James 2( :19 ) "You believe that there is one God, You do well. Even the demons believe-and tremble! (20) But do you want to know, O foolish man, that faith without works is dead?" 

What can keep us from the love of God? Loving, worshiping and serving God is a personal decision.

Maybe it's time to take that first step to life, life eternally and enter or reenter in. You don't have to be "religious" to step out in faith.

All scripture references have been taken from the Orthodox Study Bible and commentary

Coming Out!

"The wilderness and the wasteland shall be glad for them, And the desert shall rejoice and blossom as the rose; It shall blossom abundantly and rejoice, even with joy and singing." Isaiah 35:1

There is a highway of holiness and whoever walks this road will not go astray. Those with everlasting joy on their heads, walk singing with gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

There is only one way to find that highway of life--eternal life and that is through the entrance, one of rebirth. "Everyone who thirsts, Come to the waters: "Let your soul delight itself in abundance. Incline your ear, and come to Me, Hear, and your soul shall live; And I will make an everlasting covenant with you." Isaiah 55:1-13

The invitation is extended to all, rich or poor. "Call upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts; Let him return to the Lord, and He will have mercy on him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon."

We recall today the baptism of Jesus in the Jordan by John. "The torrent of delight is baptized in the river, drying up the flood of evil, and gushing forth divine remission."  "granting deliverance from the servitude of the ancient sin, and sanctifying and enlightening us."

What happened in the waters was a transformation. "Eternal life is coming to reclaim Adam." 

Isaiah 35: "They shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away."
Isaiah 12:3-6 "Therefore with joy you will draw water from the wells of salvation. And in that day you will say: "Praise the Lord, call upon His name; declare His deeds among the peoples, make mention that His name is exalted. Sing to the Lord, for He has done excellent things; This is known in all the earth. Cry out and shout, O inhabitant of Zion, for great is the Holy One of Israel in your midst!"

Tone 6 of the forefeast 
"Prepare, O River Jordan!
Behold, Christ is coming to be baptized by John in you!
Rejoice, O barren wilderness!
Dance in gladness, hills and mountains!
Eternal Life is coming to reclaim Adam.
Forerunner, call out with the voice of one who cries:
"Prepare the ways of the Lord! Make straight His paths!"

The Gospel of Matthew 3:13-17

At that time, Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, "I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?" But Jesus answered him, "Let it be so now; for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness." Then he consented. And when Jesus was baptized, he went up immediately from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove, and alighting on him; and lo, a voice from heaven, saying, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased."

Coming out from the water, we see the manifestation of the Trinity. His plan of salvation and a new beginning for all mankind. A new chance...Have you been Baptized and received the Living water and rebirth freely offered to all by His great love and compassion?

Today, at the blessing of  waters, we recall Adam. Jesus, the Bestower of Light, was baptized in the flesh, in the Jordan, to enlighten those in darkness. Through the mercy of God, we hope for salvation, sanctification and enlightenment. And, are exceedingly glad.


All references are taken from the "Orthodox Study Bible and service books"