Day of Prayer

MAY 2008


That Christians may use literature, art and the media to greater advantage to favour a culture which defends and promotes the values of the human person

~~The Pope's prayer intention for May

Sunday Inspiration

This Dr has a way with words...

Every word from Dr Bob makes me think. From his post: The Prayer of Java

The subject of prayer is a fascinating one for me in many ways, not only because of its effect on my life, but because — as a logical-sequential scientist by profession and disposition, I want to understand how it works — and I don’t, and I can’t. But it does. And that cognitive dissonance drives me a little nuts....

...Of course, the skeptic’s challenge contains a presumption — one rarely recognized, in fact: that everything which exists, all that is real, can be measured, tested, analyzed, proven, and recorded. But much which is human — perhaps all which makes us uniquely human — is beyond such simple means of measurement and proof. How much does love weigh? What are the dimensions of courage? What is the deceleration velocity of a failing marriage? What color is hope? What formula predicts despair? Why does a rose smell exquisite, but a rotten egg horrendous? Sure, we can speak of neurotransmitters and aromatic organic compounds, but such things touch on the spirit, and the tools of the physical realm are wholly inadequate as inquisitors.

There's more, lots more here. Well worth the read!!!

I'm going outside now to enjoy the final arrival of spring.

What Is God Doing In My Life?

7 years ago a very special person told me how much she was inspired by Joyce Meyer. And I began to listen, watch and be inspired. Thank you my friend!

Saturday is my favorite day to watch Joyce's program via her web site. Today the title of her program is What is God doing in My Life? Watch. Be Inspired.

No Cross, No Crown

My friend reminded me that there is no Resurrection without the Crucifiction. It is easy to jump over Good Friday, The Passion of the Lord and want to go straight to Easter...but I can never forget the act of sacrifice that starts this blessed day.

Saturday night we attended the Easter Vigil mass which starts in darkness. With each reading the light increases until we have total light from total darkness. The symbolism is clear. Christ is the light.

I love this mass. It is the pinnacle of all that I believe. The new members are welcomed and confirmed as I was some 20 years ago. I was explaining to my young cousin on Thursday that I had wanted to be Baptist 20 years ago. I did the research. That was my plan. You know what they say. If you want to make God laugh just make a plan.

I was going to the R.C.I.A. (Rite of Christian Initiation) for information purposes only. I told them I wasn't joining. I went because my daughter was going to be raised in this faith because it was the faith of her father. About half way we had a retreat night, a night of discernment: were we continuing? or had we obtained all the "information" we needed?

That was the first time I ever felt the voice of God. I say "felt" because it was not an audible voice. But the words "What are you afraid of? I am here" were distinct in my thoughts and I hadn't thought them on my own. And I knew immediately I was supposed to be here. And I have never regretted that decision. God has used my checkered faith journey from Eastern Orthodox to Protestant to Roman Catholic for the greatest good in my life. Along the way I have learned about Him in ways I never imagined. Often through the sacrifice of other believers who have given of themselves and touched my life. It has truly been a great adventure and blessing in my life. It was here that I met heroic people, here that I am touched with kindness, here that I am challenged to go deeper and learn from every moment.

It is truly a Happy Easter!! Wishing you many blessings on this blessed day and on your journey!!

For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his.
~Romans 6:5

Remembering Vasi on Palm Sunday

I think it is appropriate to post this picture again for Palm Sunday and to remember cousin Vasi who passed away February 28, 2008.


It is amazing how our perspective of someone's life changes when they leave this world. The last chapter is written, the book is finished and we finally see the completed story as a whole.

Vasi had just turned 72, celebrated his 50th wedding anniversary in December and enjoyed 7 years of retirement. He died quickly of a heart attack. On the surface he seemed gruff and tough, but he worked hard and took care of his family well.

On one visit, a few years ago, we sat under the grape vine arbor behind his house, surveying a garden filled with wonderful vegetables and fruit trees and he shared the wisdom of a man with simple tastes: "All I need to be happy is a barbecued pork chop!"

During the funeral at the local Greek Orthodox Church, I cried during the gospel reading:

...When I was hungry you gave me food...Whatever you did to the least of these brothers you did to me...

I remembered how Vasi brought groceries to my mother when she struggled after my father died. He put a new roof on her house, gave her his car and found my brother a job. He did these things quietly. And we were very grateful.

I believe my father is finally able to thank him. I really believe it.

The girl in this picture is his daughter Jenny. Her and I were born on separate continents within 5 weeks of each other. Shortly after this picture was taken in Greece she came to Canada and from then on we were inseparable as children. Today we hold the same job titles at different non profit organizations. Funny how that worked out.

So today on Palm Sunday as I think of Jesus riding through the streets on a lowly donkey I will also remember Vasi; a humble and hard working man who cared.

“With the Saints give rest, O Christ, to the soul of Your servant where there is no pain, nor sorrow, nor suffering, but life everlasting.”

Aionia I Mnimi
May Your Memory Be Eternal

Lent

Simple instructions for Lent:

PRAY. FAST. GIVE. REPEAT.

Everyday Faith

My words made it into the church newsletter:

Every day that I take a step closer to God my faith grows.

Even the small steps and most of them are very small steps. But they count. I look back and I think of all the blessings I never thanked Him for and how little of my time I gave to Him. And He loved me anyway. And He waited. He waited for me to realize the richness of life when I put Him first.

A few years ago I started to recognize the difference between time spent with and without God. And it began to bother me that the time I spent with Him was so small compared to the rest of my day. I never thought I should just be praying and contemplating all day. But I wondered about the wasted hours. Often they were mindless activities seemingly harmless but for me, they were daily habits. I routinely incorporated time for these into my day like an appointment: watching a morning talk show, listening to the news, stopping for a coffee.

Did I have appointments with God? Did I have habits that included Him in my life? There were a few but they were nothing compared to the others.

So I started praying a little more and making a conscious choice about how I spent my time. At first it seemed less than inspirational, I will admit! But somewhere along the way there was a seed of joy that started to grow and I was actually happy thinking about this “God time”. It was like getting to see a friend.

I remember coming home from work and anticipating my prayer time! I used to come home and immediately put the TV on to watch reruns of shows I had already seen. And I justified it by saying it was my time to relax. Now the time I spent with God was the most relaxing time of my day even though it was still a fraction of my total day.

It really started with just a few extra minutes of prayer. Sometimes I just said the name of Jesus and thank you. I bought inspirational books to read, started a gratitude journal, read the Psalms and the daily mass readings, said The Rosary. Someone told me about Catholic web sites, radio and television, especially EWTN (The Eternal Word Television Network) I attend Eucharistic Adoration to be with Jesus. And most importantly receive The Eucharist at mass.

It all started with just a few minutes of prayer and putting God first. Life is still filled with challenges but I feel a quiet confidence that God is with me as I face them.

It’s everyday faith.

Are you ready for Christmas?

That’s the small talk question leading up to Christmas. It is understood that we are referring to the traditional holiday presents, the food preparation, the travel arrangements, the home décor. In years gone by those were my main concerns too. I had lists, lots of lists and systematically checked them off. Life is different now. My preparations are much simpler.

So this year I am preparing in a different way. I’ve been thinking about this baby that will be born on Christmas Day and His Mother. I remember a friend who took her son to his Grandmother’s church and after seeing the story retold asked “Is this a true story?” And being a gracious yet honest person (who had questions herself) replied, “Millions of people in the world believe it to be true”. I am one of those people.

So this advent I am thinking about Mary and the preparations she had leading up to the birth of Jesus. What was she thinking? Was she scared? Was she happy? The angel told her not to be afraid. She must have needed that angel.

Having a baby is life changing. Giving birth to the Savior of the World, the Son of God….I would have been scared. Everything is going to change. Nothing will ever be the same, yet she stepped forward.

In my own small way, I want to step forward and be ready to accept change. That is how I'm preparing for Christmas: to be ready to accept what the future holds. Life is always changing. Nothing will ever be the same as it was. I’ve got to be ready.

I take great comfort in the words from today's daily readings. To hear them click here or on the Daily Scripture Readings in the sidebar. This will redirect you to a podcast site.

Each word seems written just for me….even though I know it really is for everyone…

Strengthen, the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees.

…Be strong do not fear!

…they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.

The Lord upholds the orphan and the widow…

Be patient beloved until the coming of the Lord…

Going to Church

My friend is beginning a new journey of faith. I love her questions!

How do you pronounce Ephesians? Do you have to go to church?

I don’t have all the answers but I’m going to learn a lot by even trying to answer her questions.

Pronunciation: ee-fee-zhenz : a letter addressed to early Christians in Ephesus and the surrounding churches of Asia. And no, you don’t have to go to church. But one day, you will want to.

Last Sunday, there were a few moments when I was so grateful for church. As I walk up to receive communion I usually steady myself by placing a hand on the wooden pews as the line moves. As I did that someone’s hand gently covered mine. It was C. who often gives me a big hug after mass and tells me to “have a great week”. She gave me a big warm smile in the seconds it took to pass her.

Then on the way back to my seat, I hear my name quietly whispered and I am given a huge smile by another C. She was the one who heard me singing along with the youth choir last winter. The next week she brought me a tape of all the songs. Her daughter is in the choir. She said she could tell I love the music. She signed it “Love C.”

When it was time for the sign of peace, usually a hand shake, B. gives me a big hug and says “peace be with you dear heart”. She says that every week.

And before the final blessing G. sneaks over to grab my hand in both of his and wishes me "Peace" by name.

I often think of Malibu Barb, one of the first people I met at this church. If I had not gone to church, I would never have met her. Where would I have been without her?

I like to think that God is not a "stay at home" God. When I step out He is there...in the smiles, hugs and handshakes of those who love Him. He meets me at church. And I can't wait to see Him there. And I really think...He can't wait to see you, my friend!

For the Widows in Paradise, For the Fatherless in Ypsilanti

For The Widows In Paradise, For The Fatherless In Ypsilanti

[via FoxyTunes / Sufjan Stevens]

I have called you children, I have called you son.
What is there to answer if I'm the only one?
Morning comes in Paradise, morning comes in light.
Still I must obey, still I must invite.
If there's anything to say, if there's anything to do,
If there's any other way, I'll do anything for you.

I was dressed embarrassment.
I was dressed in wine.
If you had a part of me, will you take your time?
Even if I come back, even if I die
Is there some idea to replace my life?
Like a father to impress;
Like a mother's morning dress,
If you ever make a mess, I'll do anything for you

I have called you preacher; I have called you son.
If you have a father or if you haven't one,
I'll do anything for you. I did everything for you

Adoration

Last Friday 1am to 2am

Eucharistic Adoration

I was filled.

Filled with God’s love.

I sat with Jesus.

He calls me friend.

One hour of power.

Beautiful.

I walked out smiling and grateful for life.

One simple hour: mostly silent, some prayer, some music.

My thoughts wondered occasionally. Then I focused on Jesus.

And all that I am grateful for: love, family, health, work.

I am so blessed.