St Nicholas Day Eve (Part 1)

Today was spent getting ready for tomorrow's lunch,

including baking a cake, lots of dishes washed, getting out the

bowls and platters for food...and doing the cookie bags!

I love giving cookies away for St Nicholas day! 

DV lots more pictures tomorrow! :)

***

St Nicholas day vespers was lovely.

My Husband exceptionally had to work late and was not with me.

I missed him. 

But we plan on both vigil and liturgy for St Nicholas day 

on the 19th at our far-away church, so that's lovely.

***

I have heard of so many dear ones with either very sick

or recently reposed loved ones.

Our prayer list grows 

but we hope also our love grows, even if imperceptible. 

***

I love St Nicholas so very much.

***

May God have mercy on each of us and help us

in the many struggles that we face.

May He comfort our hearts

and carry us through....

***

"But now, this is what the Lord says—

    he who created you, Jacob,

    he who formed you, Israel:

“Do not fear, for I have redeemed you;

    I have summoned you by name; you are mine.

2 When you pass through the waters,

    I will be with you;

and when you pass through the rivers,

    they will not sweep over you.

When you walk through the fire,

    you will not be burned;

    the flames will not set you ablaze.

3 For I am the Lord your God,

    the Holy One of Israel, your Savior;

I give Egypt for your ransom,

    Cush and Seba in your stead.

4 Since you are precious and honored in my sight,

    and because I love you,

I will give people in exchange for you,

    nations in exchange for your life.

5 Do not be afraid, for I am with you;

    I will bring your children from the east

    and gather you from the west.

6 I will say to the north, ‘Give them up!’

    and to the south, ‘Do not hold them back.’

Bring my sons from afar

    and my daughters from the ends of the earth—

7 everyone who is called by my name,

    whom I created for my glory,

    whom I formed and made.”

Isaiah 43: 1-7 NIV 

italics are mine.