Visiting Vladyka John

So while in CA 2 weeks ago, 

I went to see

St John, still called by many, Vladkya John.

My favourite stories of him come out of an out of print book,

Blessed John the Wonderworker, 

esp the stories by the woman in France who knew him

and writes of how his prayers helped her after he left France

and after he departed to the Mansions of the Righteous. 

***

So, there is a section towards the very end of CS Lewis' novel

till we have faces that talks about the main character saying

"I have no more questions, you are the answer" 

which is close to how it was when I was with St John.

I was given this deep sense of peace, a quiet joy, as if I was in a

different space, so much so that the prayers I thought I would be praying

with a sense of anguish, I felt like I nearly forgot to pray at all,

as it was like I had no problems at all, no worries, just this sense of peace,

of joy, something beyond myself or even my experience at the time,

as in I have been struggling a lot with feelings of worry and 

of a sense of weariness but there, I felt like it was all taken away,

as if I forgot the problems had ever been there...

so this was what God gave me, in the presence of this Saint

who loved Christ so much and was full of the Holy Spirit. 

***

It was very special.

***

I know that I am weak and don't know how to keep this peace within

myself but I hope I will never forget what it was like

and what I was given that day.

The Last Days, varied and full

Pictures of Church from Mr Husband.

***

I am glad it is the weekend....

My Husband will be home with me through Tuesday,

I am so glad for that.

***

I've been making more cards

and today my Husband got the card/sewing table out

so I can have all of my craft things there,

instead of cluttering up the dining room table or kitchen 

counter.... 

***

I've read some more DE Stevenson books;

you can learn a lot from here in thinking about the book one read

as a whole; for instance in the Young Clementina how 

temptation works, how little things can have

such impact, how one suffers and forgiveness; 

or what parenting mistakes one may want to avoid,

as in the story of Amberwell.

***

I was surprised to get a gift box of fruit this week!

From a local church friend! 

It's been delicious! 

***

As I was writing letters and cards today,

I wrote in one letter how I felt I would remember 

so many people's kindness in sending me cards,

care packages, calling or stopping by.

It's been such a blessing.

***

My foot swells after it is down for a while, 

so I am alternating on that.

I ice my foot at times, back of foot and on the ankle

itself...I do this very carefully of course.

***

Today is St John of Shanghai and San Francisco's day.

Lovely prayers you can hear in the service 

here:

***

  I am really grateful for my craft table.

And for the stationary friends have sent me!

It's like God knew I needed stationary and so He sent it to me!

I love writing cards and letters, 

I have so many more I hope to do.

***

Well, I must go now.

It's late and sleep is also important.

I am so grateful for all the blessings in this time.

I still wish I could walk already, of course,

but am glad for various things to do meanwhile.

***

 Blessed St John's day to you all!