(105) A Good Sunday

In someways today began with finding out that

the much beloved Elder Ephraim of Arizona died.

See here for more information and here.

I lit a candle for him (one of the red ones in the glass).

My Husband and I talked a lot about his death today;

he founded many (17) Greek Monasteries in the States

and when I learned of his death, my first thought was

that I had been told that a Saint had died. I am not alone in Orthodoxy in 

thinking this; it's hard to explain here, to many of you who are so kind to me

and comment on my blog ... but if you want to know more just ask.

Sometimes it's easier to know what to write if I know what you want to know

about such things! :) 

Meanwhile, we are praying for the Monks at St Anthony's and everyone

who was close to Elder Ephraim (he had thousands of spiritual children) and who

can be feeling that difficult grief of losing one who was a father/spiritual father and/or guide

or one who they knew or served in some fashion.  

The loss is great; far greater than I can understand that some people will feel;

HOWEVER Orthodox Christians believe that those who have fallen asleep in 

Christ are in Christ still and can pray for us.  As my friend A in Romania said,

we have gained a great heavenly intercessor.

I know that all of us who love Orthodoxy and Orthodox Monasteries are feeling

his passing, that this is suddenly a very holy solemn time,

but that grief in Christ is a bright-sadness. 

***

We stayed local for church, which was great.

We saw L. after church and she is much more herself today

than yesterday - prayer sure works - yesterday she herself said was

super difficult - she could barely talk 6 minutes on the phone with breaks to me- 

but today was much better.  Please keep praying for her; pneumonia when you are older

is no joke, as it were.  She really wants to be back in her own home by Christmas.

Having major surgery and now pneumonia it's hard to say but 

we will keep praying and hoping. 

I don't know what to think other than to keep praying.

***

We had leftovers (Fish and Pasta) for dinner.

And the last of the apple crisp!

It was a blessing! 

***

I am slowly getting the house packed up from the St Nicholas luncheon...

and our dryer is being fixed on Wednesday... 

tomorrow I go to NYC, Tuesday cleaning house + church,

Wednesday phone meetings and my Husband working from home,

Thursday vespers locally, Friday morning liturgy... all DV

It's a good season but very busy.

***

It is a hard time for so so many!

May God have mercy on us!

(104) A full but good day (and a continued prayer request for L)

Leftover Thai with noodles and salmon, wonderful vegan

apple crisp and a beautiful salad.

***

I talked with L today on the phone;

her pneumonia is quite pronounced as she can only talk so 

long without becoming really winded.

I hope to see her tomorrow. 

She feels that her Rehab place is treating her well, which I am glad to hear.

Please continue to pray for her.

***

We are staying local for church tomorrow...

I am trying to be sure I stay somewhat (!) rested and I was at a wonderful

NYC Chanticleer concert last night and did not get back

home until after 11 PM (and yes that was the same day as the luncheon I did!)

so am being careful... also had a nap today as it took me a while to fall asleep

last night...

***

May God help us in this busy season leading up to Christmas!

Prayer Request

I learned later in the afternoon today on St Nicholas day,

that dear L, the older lady who is my church friend

and who fell a week ago, badly broke her hip, had surgery

and is now in rehab is not only in great pain but now

has pneumonia. Please pray for her.

I know in the elderly a hip break can lead to pneumonia and often

we lose them.  I don't want to lose L. so suddenly.

Please pray.  I am quite concerned.

She is not up for visitors right now.

My priest visited her however today.

Please please pray!

(103) It was Wonderful

 

St Nicholas Day was truly wonderful.

Liturgy, the meal afterwards at my home...

The fish was the best I ever made,

fresh (not frozen), marinated overnight wrapped in foil,

ready for baking.

The company was delightful.

It was such a blessing!

***

O who loves Nicholas the saintly,
O who serves Nicholas the saintly,

Him will Nicholas receive,
And give help in time of need:
Holy Father Nicholas!

He who dwells in God’s holy mansions,
Is our help on the land and oceans,

He will guard us from all ills,
Keep us pure and free from sins
Holy Father Nicholas!

Holy Saint, hearken to our prayer,
Let not life drive us to despair,

All our efforts shall not wane,
Singing praises to your name:
Holy Father Nicholas!

(102) I Am Ready....(St Nicholas Eve, Part 1)

Everything is prepared for the St Nicholas Luncheon tomorrow!

***

Meal:

Vegan cheese & Crackers

Russian Ginger Cookies 

***

Fia (Pasta) Sauce (see recipes page) with thin pasta

A Green Salad

Salmon (with lemon, my usual way)

Bread that I baked myself (hoping it is good!) with vegan butter

***

Cranberry Orange Cake

Tea, Coffee, Wine, Sparkling Cider, Lemon Water

(101) A better day and 8 years ago... on this feast day of the Mother of God...

8 years ago my Oma entered the door into eternal life!

My Husband was then my kind wonderful boyfriend and was with me

at my parents house, and a few days after my Oma (Dutch for Grandmother)

died he went with my cousins and my sister and brother-in-law to

Brampton Ontario to the funeral... I wrote about this on an early 

anniversary of this date....here... and here about the link

I feel, personally, with my Oma and the Mother of God and this day... 

***

I missed my Oma a lot during liturgy, even though she was Protestant,

I remember so vividly how much I felt her as a Mother as I was

learning about the Mother of God as Jesus' Mother...

***

I am so glad for my Oma and for her life and that she was my Oma. 

***

I had various icons blessed today.

***

Today was a happier day.

I can tell I am overtired and need to pace myself.

I am doing my best to do so.

***

May God have mercy on us and help us!

Towards the end of day: a quick hot delicious meal

Wow.  It's Tuesday and it feels like a long week!

It was a more difficult day. But tomorrow is a new day and Feast Day.

Lord have mercy!

Somethings I accomplished:

*polished my silver-plate teapot set, candles

*laundry 

*dishes

*made a really good quick meal from already roasted carrots, previously 

cooked rice, a jar of vegan pasta sauce, a can of clams in water and some spinach.

Rice and carrots heated up separately,

pasta sauce heated, then added spinach and when all heated through,

with spinach wilted, the clams were added.

Rice, pasta sauce with clams, carrots on top, hot, nourishing,

delicious.  I ate crackers on the side.

Really good.

***

May God help us and have mercy!

(100) All Piled Up

I was able to visit L. in the hospital, 

her surgery went well and a few hours after I saw her

she was moved to a Rehab place.

She's a delightful older lady from our local church and I was 

so glad to have seen her. 

***

I feel a bit like everything is piled up on me; 

my sleep was quite bad last night;

so this morning I rested a lot.

***

I know this season can be so busy for us

and for many it has a lot of heartache. 

But there is beauty too.

***

One of the creators of beauty is my friend Grace,

and she has some beautiful dolls, beeswax nativities and trees,

and some adorable toddler dresses. 

I hope to do a post with these soon to show you but wanted

to give you the heads up now.

The dolls are one of a kind and made with reference

to literary themes! See them here.

***

I pray that each of us will be upheld by 

Christ not matter what we are facing at present.