Christ is risen!! This past Sunday, my hubby, Dn. James, gave the homily at our parish. There are parts of it that reminded me of my journey to joy I have been on. He touches on John 16:22, "...and no one will take your joy from you." He mentions courage and rejoicing. Many things I've… Continue reading A Homily To Share
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
Reading the Psalms as often as possible brings such peace and calm into my life. I have worked really hard to make this a part of my daily morning routine. On hard days it brings comfort and encouragement. I find nourishment for my soul. Here is one that fed me lately. May you also be… Continue reading Ready is My Heart
Yesterday, for my Lenter Psalter group reading, I read the 1st Kathisma in the Psalter which includes Chapters 1-8 of the Psalms. I was drawn to a verse in Chapter 4, actually several verses. This is a beautiful chapter. When I called upon Thee, O God of my righteousness, Thou didst hearken unto me; in… Continue reading Psalm 4
In the 4 weeks leading up to Great Lent the lectionary readings of the Gospel have us walking with Mark and Luke through the Passion of Christ. We read about the preparation of Passover in the upper room, the Triumphant Entry on a foal, the betrayal. We walk with Jesus through his final week. The… Continue reading Walking with Christ
This past Sunday we read Luke 15:11-32, the parable of the Prodigal Son. Then He said: “A certain man had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, ‘Father, give me the portion of goods that falls to me.’ So he divided to them his livelihood.And not many days after, the younger… Continue reading Prodigal Son
James and I watched a movie recently titled “The Map of Tiny Perfect Things”. It is a incredibly cute “Ground Hog Day”-esque movie with a couple of teenagers stuck in the time loop. It is, overall, a family friendly movie that can be enjoyed by just about everyone. The reason why I am posting about… Continue reading Tiny Perfect Things
Beloved, do not think it strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened to you;but rejoice to the extent that you partake of Christ’s sufferings, that when His glory is revealed, you may also be glad with exceeding joy. This scripture from First Peter 4 was the epistle reading… Continue reading Fiery Trials
Do you read the book of James often? We started reading James this week in the assigned lectionary. The prescribed reading this week takes us through Chapter 1 and the first part of Chapter 2. The Orthodox Study Bible says that the major theme of James is “the harmony of faith and works.” I love… Continue reading The Book of James
I was greatly encouraged when reading Psalm 27 this week. There is so much take notice of and be lifted up, to be strengthened and filled with peace. The Lord is my light and my salvation;Whom shall I fear?The Lord is the strength of my life;Of whom shall I be afraid?When the wicked came against… Continue reading Wait on the Lord
Kindler of Joy! 