Photo of Lake Wenatchee in WA state.
Author: Susan
I am an Orthodox Christian, a deacon’s wife, a mother, and an aspiring Kindler of Joy.
I believe I’ve begun to understand (finally), by the grace of God, where we can begin to find happiness. True happiness. My heart longs for a deeper connection to those around me and to creation. I want to feel joy not only in myself but to see it on the face of people I love and those that God brings my way.
Thus, begins my journey to become a Kindler of Joy. It is a journey, a path of learning and growing. So I’ve created my blog as a reminder to myself, daily, to open my eyes and find the beauty and joy around me. I long to share this joy, to spread this joy and to inspire others to become Kindlers of Joy. When we kindle joy in others we spread a light throughout this dark world. A light that is desperately needed.
Won't you join me in spreading this light, this joy?
Focus
A couple of weeks ago I volunteered to be a counselor at our Church youth camp. I ended up being the counselor for the oldest group of girls and there were only four of them. They were 14-16 years old! They were gems! This year’s camp theme was based on Colossians 3:15, “And let the peace… Continue reading Focus
Hymn of the Resurrection
Today is nearly over, the sun is setting in the west and I am relaxing on the sofa after a long day of serving. Make a joyful noise to the Lord, all you lands!Serve the Lord with gladness;Come before His presence with singing.Psalm 100 "Serve the Lord with gladness." I aim to do this but don't always accomplish it, if… Continue reading Hymn of the Resurrection
Worship in the Mountains
Today we are camping. Annually, we do a family camping trip on Fourth of July weekend with hubby's family. As many know, I love camping. It brings me out into God's beautiful creation, face to face. It is a much needed reminder that we truly do live in an altar. We always need to be… Continue reading Worship in the Mountains
Home Again, Home Again…Jiggety-Jig
A month since my last post, I am back home after a wonderful trip across country with my eldest daughter. So much has been going on since I got back home. And so much has happened while I was away. So much beauty. So much strength from God, so much learning, and so much joy.… Continue reading Home Again, Home Again…Jiggety-Jig
Resurrection Reminders
It is time to start making a greater effort of reminding myself what this day is all about, what our good Lord has done....and that Christ is risen! All the time! Every day! Each and every Sunday is a day of Resurrection. Last night we sang this beautiful hymn... This photo is from my recent… Continue reading Resurrection Reminders
Move Days 2 -4
Mom and I had two more days of driving before we arrived at my aunt's house in Walhalla, North Dakota. Here are some beautiful reminders of God's love for us. I didn't mention in my first blog post on this news about how we came to be moving my mom back to MN. Back in… Continue reading Move Days 2 -4
Day One of a Move
We’ve come to the end of a long challenging day! We left on our trip to move my mom back to MN today. When we drove out of the driveway at 815 am I thought we’d be at our first night’s rest before dinner. Drive time should have been eight and a half hours plus… Continue reading Day One of a Move
Midfeast-Christ is risen!
Today marks the middle of the Feast of Feasts! Pascha is a 40 day feast! So wonderfully full of joy and excitement, celebrating the victory over death! I love that Pascha is 40 days long! Mostly because I need time to come out of the "Bright Week Blues". Have you ever heard of that term,… Continue reading Midfeast-Christ is risen!
Grant me to see my own transgressions.
This lent I have tried to focus on 1. The Prayer of St. Ephrem and 2. Finding balance, peace, and looking inside at what I need to change. As I have prayed the Prayer of St. Ephrem over and over and over again this lent, I have been quite convicted with regards to the last… Continue reading Grant me to see my own transgressions.
Kindler of Joy! 