Fr. Thomas Hopko said when sharing the 55 Maxims in his podcast, "Normally, that would be one’s pastor, or one’s Spiritual Father or Mother, one’s elder. But every human being, every Christian, must have someone who knows everything about them. And that we regularly report to them about what is going on in our… Continue reading Maxim Monday #14
Praying Scripture
A few years ago, I watched a Christian movie that had a pretty profound affect on me. It was called “War Room”. The bottom line of this movie is about prayer and how prayer can change things. Storyline aside, I believe that that sentiment is very real and true. I really began to work harder… Continue reading Praying Scripture
This Moment
Gretchen Rubin and her amazing research on happiness with the outcome of some really good books has introduced me to Walt Whitman. May we all work towards this place and this hour! To look, listen, smile and love, in this place where we are at right now. Thank you, my joys, for visiting me today!
Maxim # 13
Welcome to Maxim Monday #13! Fr. Thomas Hopko says in his podcast, "Do not engage intrusive thoughts and feelings. When feelings come upon you, when thoughts come upon you, don’t engage them. If you accept them, they’ve got you, and you will sin. So you’ve got to cut them off, right at the very start."… Continue reading Maxim # 13
Seasonal Table for TBT
Don't we all love to look at old pictures? It is so fun and brings such joy! Some time ago I was reading another Gretchen Rubin book called "The Happiness Project". She was working on her project which included creating a "seasonal table" where she kept pictures of her girls from the past. She would… Continue reading Seasonal Table for TBT
Sending Birthday Cards
Welcome to Letter Writing Wednesday! Some of you might ask why letter-writing is part of Kindler of Joy, my journey to joy, OUR journey to joy. Who doesn't love to get a letter in the mail? Who doesn't smile when they see a real handwritten envelope in the mail? They are so far and few… Continue reading Sending Birthday Cards
The Spirit of Joy
A couple weeks ago I happened upon David Drillock’s My Life in Church Music which was a talk he gave at the St. Vladimir’s Summer Institute 2004. I was searching for information about church music of some kind, I can’t remember exactly what or why, when I happened upon this incredibly fascinating article. It is… Continue reading The Spirit of Joy
Maxim # 12
Welcome to Maxim Monday and Fr. Thomas Hopko's 12th Maxim! Fr. Thomas said on his podcast: Go to Confession and Holy Communion regularly. Participate in the Church’s sacramental life. As St. John Chrysostom said sixteen centuries ago in Antioch: Repentance opens the heavens, takes us to Paradise, overcomes the devil. Have you sinned? Do not… Continue reading Maxim # 12
A New Stamp
Last Sunday, a young lady walked up to me and asked if I did wax stamps. "Why, yes I do!" She then proceeded to tell me that she accidentally bought a 2nd one of one she already has and wondered if I would like it! I'm thrilled to have a new wax seal stamp! I… Continue reading A New Stamp
Maxim Eleven–Go to Church!
Yesterday we celebrated a wonderful Feast in the church--Holy Pentecost! And we sang: Blessed art Thou, O Christ our God, Who hast revealed the fishermen as most wise by sending down upon them the Holy Spirit, and through them Thou didst draw the world into Thy net. O Lover of Man, glory to Thee! What… Continue reading Maxim Eleven–Go to Church!
Kindler of Joy! 