(108) A Peaceful Day ~ Elder Ephraim's funeral observed ~ prayer and quiet

It's been a hard few weeks in so many ways.

I feel like I can't keep up with the number of people we know

who we heard who have died.

I feel that we are past a certain tipping point where

this is just going to be a lot more common.

We are of that age now I guess.

***

I had a much better day considering how difficult yesterday was.

***

I went on a walk; had good conversations; and watched Elder Ephraim's funeral 

on and off as I could amidst phone meetings and making dinner and such things. 

For those who wish to see it or could not watch it but wished they could have,

one of my friends shared where it is archived.

Here it is:

May Elder Ephraim's Memory be eternal! 

***

I watched parts of it that I missed and when I was watching

the monks and novice monks giving the final kiss

(in Orthodox funerals you kiss the Gospel and also often the 

hand and forehead of the one who has left us)...

I cried.

I cried thinking/feeling that I was seeing my own 

salvation because of the prayers of these present there.

I know/know of a few people who were at this funeral;

my Husband and I prayed for them again tonight;

it is a blessing to be able to share in this small way

in the momentous week for them of loss, of grief, of hope, of prayer. 

***

There is so much grief and loss in life.

***

May God have mercy on us and save us!

Bright Sadness: My Aunt Karen's Funeral

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My Aunt Karen's funeral was beautiful and I cried (quietly) a few times.

The sermon from the pastor was very well done, heartfelt and full of 

the Gospel and also comfort while facing deep trials and struggles.

***

I was able to do some prayers for my +Aunt by her casket this morning

and read Psalm 23 one last time (of me seeing her body) ... of course I will keep

praying Psalms for my +Aunt.... I nearly bawled after doing that but

held my wooden prayer rope tight as I did not want to break down in 

weeping and call attention to myself. 

***

I am so glad it is Bright Week, even though while being home

I am not with my beloved Husband.

I hope to visit with more family this week and that is a blessing.

Books, a funeral, cups of tea, a baby, a cold and a video that cheered me up

Basmati Rice.

So simple, so good and easy to reheat.

I was thinking the other day of how 

just ordinary life can be so beautiful.

Mr. Husband and I enjoyed rice for an early dinner today...

*

A man named George who I would visit

at times in the nursing home died.

He was a big flirt, very lovable, memorable and just lovely.

The last time I saw him he was declining and then we found out

he died recently, I had not been to see him in a little bit,

with summer and all it's fullness (moving, kids, family visiting, traveling...)

Mr. Husband taxied me personally to and from the funeral 

that was this morning.

It's always hard to say goodbye, no matter what age.

May George's memory be eternal! 

Yesterday I re-read the Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe.

Mr. Husband and I got a lovely set from early 1950s in PEI,

which I read from in our library/chapel.

I also finished knitting a small teddy bear sized scarf :) 

I was saddened to have three first edition Elizabeth Goudge's

with dust jackets mangled in the mail.

I am still working on seeing if there can be any recompense.

And I will have to make work of getting some 

archival tape and jackets to mend them...

one more thing for the ever mounting to-do-list....

I lit one of my two tallest monastery candles

last night when a dear Ottawa friend

quickly emailed to say they were going in for

her baby to be delivered.

Thank God baby and mother are doing just fine!

*

I was feeling quite miserable with my head cold 

yesterday when I came across this video 

that I just loved.

It reminds me of the midwest and is just cute, funny and cherry.

I don't know how to link to it outside of FB 

(if anyone does let me know)

but here's the link.

Apparently it's quite popular and has various renditions. 

*

I still have my cold but am a bit better than yesterday;

I hope to be strong enough on Sunday to do Sunday School...

but one thing at a time.

*

I am really blessed with all of you praying for me;

I thank God for each of my friends and family,

you are all very dear!

*

I hope this day has had some good things for you

and an awareness of God's mercy...