Prez to Prez "Prez to Prez” was created to encourage and support Presvyteres of the Holy Orthodox Church in faith, in love, and in relationships with their husbands and families. We welcome your feedback - feel free to write with your comments or ideas. Your sister Presvyteres in Christ ~ + Stacey Dorrance, Donna Pappas, Candace Schefe, Pat Tsagalakis, and Eleni Tsigas Week of June 2, 2008 Week of May 26, 2008 Week of May 19, 2008 Week of May 12, 2008 Week of May 5, 2008 Week of April 21, 2008 Week of April 14, 2008 Week of April 7, 2008 Week of March 31, 2008 Week of March 24, 2008 Week of March 17, 2008 Week of March 10, 2008 Week of March 3, 2008 Week of February 18, 2008 Week of February 11, 2008 Week of February 4, 2008 Week of January 28, 2008 Week of January 21, 2008 Week of January 15, 2008 Week of January 1, 2008 Week of December 24, 2007 Week of December 17, 2007 Week of December 10, 2007 Week of December 3, 2007 Week of November 26, 2007 Week of November 19, 2007 Week of November 12, 2007 Week of November 5, 2007 Week of October 29, 2007 Week of October 22, 2007 Week of October 15, 2007 Week of October 8, 2007 Week of October 1, 2007 Week of September 24, 2007 Week of September 17, 2007 Week of September 10, 2007 Week of September 3, 2007 Week of August 27, 2007 Week of August 20, 2007 Week of August 13, 2007 Week of August 6, 2007 Week of July 30, 2007 Week of July 23, 2007 Week of July 9, 2007 Week of July 2, 2007 Week of June 25, 2007 Week of June 18, 2007 Week of June 11, 2007 Week of June 4, 2007 Week of May 28, 2007 Week of May 21, 2007 Week of May 14, 2007 Week of May 7, 2007 Week of April 30, 2007 Week of April 23, 2007 Week of April 16, 2007 Week of April 9, 2007 Week of April 2, 2007 Week of March 26, 2007 Week of March 19, 2007 Week of March 12, 2007 Week of March 5, 2007 Week of February 26, 2007 Week of February 19, 2007 Week of February 12, 2007 Week of February 5, 2007 Week of January 29, 2007 Week of January 22, 2007 Week of January 15, 2007 Week of January 8, 2007 Week of January 3, 2007 Week of December 26, 2006 Week of December 20, 2006 Week of December 13, 2006 Week of December 5, 2006 Week of November 28, 2006 Week of November 23, 2006 Week of June 2, 2008 Christ is Risen! As we celebrate the feast of the Ascension this week, let us be ever mindful of our Lord and His everlasting love for us. Quotes for the Week What is dying? Just the same as putting off a garment. For the body is about the soul as a garment, and after laying this aside for a short time by means of death, we shall take it up again with more splendor. (St. John Chrysostom) In considering the tomb and those in the tomb, we weep, But we should not; for we do not know whence they have come, and where they are now, and who has them. They have come from temporal life, released from its sorrows; they are at peace, waiting for the receiving of divine light. The Lover of man has them in His charge, and He has divested them of their temporal clothing In order that He may clothe them with an eternal body. Why, then, do we weep in vain? Why do we not trust Christ, as He cries: "He who believes on me shall not perish, for even if he knows corruption, after that corruption, He will be resurrected and he will rise up Saying, 'Thou art the Life and the Resurrection'"? (St. Romanos the Melodist) Scripture for the Week The fruit of righteousness will be peace; the effect of righteousness will be quietness and confidence forever. (Isaiah 32:17) Thought and Question for the Week “Eternal be their memory!” How often we chant this throughout our Orthodox lives, but how do we truly keep the memory eternal? Sometimes, our husbands find themselves the "last keepers" of the memories of their parishioners. This was the case many years ago with Achilles and Marie. Achilles and Marie had married late in life and never had children. They lived into their elderly years, entrusted only to the care of one another. However, Achilles had been a frugal investor and had spent his life investing in stock in companies he believed held great promise…who could have known that the diminutive, unassuming couple in the simple little house in a marginal neighborhood were millionaires who would leave their fortune to the church? Who could have known that, by the time they died, only one parishioner would still remember them and stand beside the grave for that final hymn? We chanted for their memories to be eternal, but wondered who it was that would keep it so. When we walked through their home for the last time, we left with the things that "family" would treasure: old studio photographs of the two of them and their families, love letters, and a few treasured pieces of furniture. Our children have grown up hearing about Achilles and Marie, and their names are on my husband’s perpetual list for commemoration right alongside our own relatives. Their history is now ours and their legacy continues. How can we all find ways of keeping eternal the memories of those who have fallen asleep in the Lord? Week of May 26, 2008 CHRIST IS RISEN! Quote for the Week “Do whatever falls into your hands, in your circle and in your situation…and believe that this is and will be your true work; nothing more from you is required. It is a great error to think that you must undertake important and great labors, whether for heaven, or, as the progressives think, in order to make one’s contribution to humanity. That is not necessary at all. It is necessary only to do everything in accordance with the Lord’s commandments. Just exactly what is to be done? Nothing in particular, just that which presents itself to each one according to the circumstances of his life, and which is demanded by the individual events with which each of us meets. That is all... If you set about to act in this way in every instance, so that your works will be pleasing to God, having carried them out ac cording to the commandments without any deviation, then all the problems of your life will be solved completely and satisfactorily” (St. Theophan the Recluse). Scripture for the Week "My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry" (James 1:19). Question for the Week As I contemplate the quote from St. Theophan the Recluse above, am I content to accept as my true work those things that God places into my hands, or do I feel compelled to pursue labors that I believe I should be pursuing? How do I feel as I reflect on my answer? Thought for the Week: On Appreciation Last night my husband came home at 11:30 after two meetings and an emergency in between them. I was already in bed, but it felt good to look at him and sleepily say, “You must be exhausted!” He confessed he was and shared a bit of the evening with me, then asked how my evening went. I said, “Very well,” then he asked how the kids did and whether they got along. I was happy to say, “They were great!” He was glad to hear it. I told him how much he was missed and he asked, “How so?” I proceeded to tell him no evening is the same without him around…that we just miss his very presence. He was very pleased to hear that comment. Our men are among the heroes of the world. Neither too exalted, nor too lowly, they seem to maintain an even keel no matter what life throws their way. They represent God and His Holy Church, day in and day out. They get tired, but are able to perform their responsibilities diligently, responsibly, and compassionately. One of the greatest gifts we can give them is our full-fledged support. Sometimes we think we are giving our full-fledged support, but actually we are giving something less. The best way we can show them how much we appreciate them and how very much they mean to us is in our everyday conversations. They may be simple interchanges, but if they are done in love, with care in our voices, and joy on our faces, they are so appreciative. May we be Presvyteres and wives who, above all, show our husbands how very much we value and admire them. Sometimes we mistakenly think they get plenty of that from our parishioners, and thus, they don’t need it from us. WRONG! If every person on the earth told them how much they were appreciated, and yet they didn’t feel it from us, they would be in want. But somehow, with our appreciation alone, they can move mountains. Someday we will all look back on our lives and see how, in actuality, that really did take place. Christ is Risen! Week of May 19, 2008 "Christ is Risen!" "Truly He is Risen!" Quote for the Week To one who labors God sends mercy, but to one who loves, consolation. (St. Ambrose of Optina) Scripture for the Week We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, because we have heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love you have for all the saints— the faith and love that spring from the hope that is stored up for you in heaven and that you have already heard about in the word of truth, the gospel that has come to you. All over the world this gospel is bearing fruit and growing, just as it has been doing among you since the day you heard it and understood God's grace in all its truth.(Colossians 1:3-6) Thought for the Week: How do you know when you've finally settled into being a presvytera? Is it when you realize that you know all the local morticians on a first name basis? Or, that you've become adept at controlling three squirming toddlers single-handedly in the back row of the church during Divine Liturgy? Or, when you good-naturedly drive yourself to the hospital when your water breaks because your husband is in the middle of a vesper service? For some, realization comes in brilliantly defined moments that dawn upon the consciousness like the lighting of the Paschal candle during the Resurrection service. For me, this moment occurred on a Sunday after being in our present parish for about a year. I had loved our previous parishes and wondered that I would ever love another parish as much as those. However, on that Sunday, as I watched the congregants approach the chalice, I realized I knew them each by heart and how dear and special they had become to me. We had tasted joys and sorrows together and a lasting bond had been forged... I realized I had fallen in love once more. No longer the quasi-stepmother to the parish (notice our husbands are called "Father", and we're simply labeled "wife of the presbyter"), I had come to love them as if they were my own, faults and all. How about you? Question for the Week When did you first realize yourself as a presvytera? What emotions accompanied that realization? (Ask your husband the same questions about when he first realized himself as a priest - guaranteed to spark some interesting discussion between the two of you!) Week of May 12, 2008 "Christ is Risen!" - "Christos Anesti!” Quote for the Week Bring before your eyes the blessings, whether physical or spiritual, conferred on you from the beginning of your life down to the present, and call them repeatedly to mind in accordance with the words: "Forget not all His benefits," (Ps. 102:2). Then your heart will readily be moved to the fear and love of God, so that you repay Him, as far as you can by your strict life, virtuous conduct, devout conscience, wise speech, true faith, and humility - in short, by dedicating your whole self to God. When you are moved by recollection of all these blessings which you have received through God's loving goodness, your heart will be spontaneously wounded with longing and love through this recollection or, rather, with the help of divine grace. (St. Mark the AscetiC) Scripture for the Week There, in the presence of the Lord your God, you and your families shall eat and shall rejoice in everything you have put your hand to, because the Lord your God has blessed you. (Deuteronomy 12:7) Question for the Week How do I feel when someone extends a blessing to me? Am I able to accept blessings from others, or do I try to deflect them with a sense of judging myself as unworthy? Am I able to extend blessings to others with liberality? How do I feel when I step out to bless someone else? Thought for the Week: On Blessing Others I am taking a class at a University, and I sneezed three times (big). I was surprised to not hear a single, “Bless you!” Not that the reason for blessing others when they sneeze is important, but growing up, it was just an opportunity to say those three golden words, “God bless you!” In our faith, we literally bless everything under the sun. We receive blessings, we bless ourselves, we bless our homes, our cars, our food, our crops, and the list goes on. We bless and pray for our country, our leaders, our citizens, etc. We believe that mankind is at the pinnacle of creation, and he has been given authority by God to take part in blessing all of creation. Do we live in a society that is losing that perspective? Possibly. How can you and I continue to perpetuate this important act…this important tradition…this important ‘micro-sacrament?’ It came naturally to our immigrant grandparents. “Kalo, na pas,” my grandmother used to say, meaning, “Go with the good.” Or “Theos mazi sou,” meaning, “God be with you,” said my aunt. My husband’s godmother used to make the sign of the cross on my back when she hugged me. Some of it we do naturally, too. Daddy gives each of the children a blessing before they go to bed. In his absence, we can make the sign of the cross over our children before their goodnight kiss. When our husband is leaving for an important or difficult appointment, we can whisper, “God bless you…or Panayia be with you, Agape mou!” We also can tell our beloved parishioners who are facing life’s struggles, “Kali Thinamis,” (‘good strength’) or “I’ll pray for you,” or “Ehi O Theos,” (God has all). We can make the sign of the cross on the back of our good friend who is close to giving birth while we hug her as well. These efforts don’t come naturally to everyone, but that is okay. We can start where we are comfortable and grow from there. Most people greatly appreciate such gestures, and after a while, it feels very sincere and pleasant to participate in them. As we continue in the Paschal season greeting one another with, “Christ is Risen!” may we begin thinking of other small ways to participate in the blessing of all creation from each of our small corners of the world. “May the blessing of the Lord be upon our families! Christ is Risen! !”Christos Anesti!” Video Link for the Week: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iuczNQonTXQ&feature=related This week, we want to share a video link with our beloved sisters in Christ this joyous song celebrating our risen Lord! Christos Voskrese! (Christ is Risen) This delightful youtube song video is taken from a poem by St. Nikolai Velimirovich who served for a time as the Rector of St. Tikhon's Seminary - truly one of the great Serbian saints of the modern era. Translation: People rejoice, nations hear: Christ is risen, and brings the joy! Stars dance, mountains sing: Christ is risen, and brings the joy! Forests murmur, winds hum: Christ is risen, and brings the joy! Seas bow*, animals roar: Christ is risen, and brings the joy! Bees swarm, and the birds sing: Christ is risen, and brings the joy! Angels stand, triple the song: Christ is risen, and brings the joy! Sky, humble yourself, and elevate the earth: Christ is risen, and brings the joy! Bells chime, and tell to all: Christ is risen, and brings the joy! Glory to You God, everything is possible to You, Christ is risen, and brings the joy! "Christ is Risen!" - "Christos Anesti!” Week of May 5, 2008 "Christos Anesti!" "Christ is Risen!" Quote for the Week “Glory be to God for everything! Glory be to God for having created me in His image and likeness. Glory be to God for having redeemed me, the fallen. Glory be to God for having extended His solicitude to me, the unworthy. Glory be to God for having led me, the sinner, to repentance. Glory be to God for having offered me His holy words, like a lamp in a dark place, thus setting me on the path of righteousness. Glory be to God for having illumined the eyes of my heart. Glory be to God for having made known to me His holy name. Glory be to God for having washed away my sins through the bath of baptism. Glory be to God for having shown me the way to eternal bliss. This way is Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who says of Himself, “I am the way and the truth and the life.” (St. Tikhon of Zadonsk) Scripture for the Week “But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ (by grace you have been saved), and raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenly places in Christ Jesus, that in the ages to come He might show the exceeding riches of His grace in His kindness toward us in Christ Jesus.” (Ephesians 2: 4-7) Question for the Week Truly, it is impossible to journey through Lent and Holy Week and arrive at Pascha without some change in ourselves that proclaims the message of the Risen Lord. How does my life reflect the message, "Christ is Risen"? Thought for the Week: On the Resurrection Someone made this astute observation on Holy Friday, “You would think it amazing if we could experience Great Lent, Holy Week and Pascha once in a lifetime, and yet we Orthodox get to experience it year after year.” How true this is! How mind-boggling that through the guidance of the Holy Spirit, the Church has poured forth the hymns, readings and traditions that make up what we all know to be Great Lent and Holy Week. While the rest of the world sleeps and slumbers, we rise, “in the middle of the night” to prepare our flasks and meet our Bridegroom, Christ, the King of Glory. In time zone after time zone, Christ is worshipped and proclaimed Risen the world over by faithful Orthodox communities dotting our small globe. One of the most beautiful and profound readings of Holy week is this astonishing passage from Isaiah 53… Who has believed our message, and to whom has the arm of the LORD been revealed? He grew up before him like a tender shoot, and like a root out of dry ground. He had no beauty or majesty to attract us to him, nothing in his appearance that we should desire him. He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows, and familiar with suffering. Like one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows, yet we considered him stricken by God, smitten by him, and afflicted. But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was upon him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to his own way; and the LORD has laid on him the iniquity of us all. He was oppressed and afflicted, yet he did not open his mouth; he was led like a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is silent, so he did not open his mouth. By oppression and judgment he was taken away. And who can speak of his descendants? For he was cut off from the land of the living; for the transgression of my people he was stricken. He was assigned a grave with the wicked, and with the rich in his death, though he had done no violence, nor was any deceit in his mouth. Yet it was the LORD's will to crush him and cause him to suffer, and though the LORD makes his life a guilt offering, he will see his offspring and prolong his days, and the will of the LORD will prosper in his hand. After the suffering of his soul, he will see the light of life and be satisfied; by his knowledge my righteous servant will justify many, and he will bear their iniquities. Therefore I will give him a portion among the great, and he will divide the spoils with the strong, because he poured out his life unto death, and was numbered with the transgressors. For he bore the sin of many, and made intercession for the transgressors. We, Sisters in Christ, have the advantage of a lifetime of Holy Weeks and Paschas. We just received, once again, the blessing of re-living the Passion, the betrayal, the crucifixion, the descent into Hades, and ultimately the Resurrection of our Lord. Such readings we are blessed to hear, year after year! Such hymns we are blessed to sing! Such holy traditions we witness and take part in! Let us not forget what we have in our Holy Orthodox Church, what Jesus did on our behalf, what a treasury of life we have received from the faithful who lived before us, guided always by the Holy Spirit. Let us move forward in our spiritual lives, discerning our thoughts and actions and earnestly desiring to repent of our sins, allowing them to be nailed to the Cross, and buried with Christ, that we may rise again with Him. May each successive Pascha find us nearer to our Lord, purer in heart, wiser, more compassionate, peaceful, and loving. May we rise with Christ…not just on Pascha but each day of our life, living the joy of the Resurrection in our thoughts, in our words and in our deeds. Christ is Risen! Week of April 21, 2008 Dear Sisters in Christ, This week, may we all reflect upon the incredible sacrifice of our Lord Jesus Christ with thanksgiving and humility, remembering that we are direct recipients of His love, His mercy, and His forgiveness. May we also bear in our hearts the knowledge that our unique role as presvyteres enables our husbands to continue to extend to others this great love, mercy and forgiveness of Christ. May we, like the Theotokos, stand at the cross and ponder all the wonders that we have witnessed in our own lives, never taking for granted the gift of our Faith, our Church, our communities and our families. In Christ’s Love, "Kali Anastasi!" Pat, Donna, Candace, Eleni, and Stacey Grant us by Your grace , O Lord, that like the wise virgins who were ready by their good works, our way of life shall also be watchful, that we shall not sit in darkness, with darkened souls, in darkness of mind, but that through prayer we may look forever on the shining splendor of Your grace. Expel, O Lord, by the daily light of Your knowledge the nocturnal darkness of our mind, that being enlightened it may serve You in the purity of its regeneration. (St. Ephraim the Syrian) Week of April 14, 2008 Dear Sisters in Christ, Many blessings as we head into the last weeks of the Great Fast - May we seek to serve our Lord with great joy and pure hearts. Quote for the Week Every influence that enters the soul from outside is worked out by its thinking and acting functions, then settles in the heart. Whatever the soul manifests in the outside world first passes through the heart.(St. Theophan the Recluse) Scripture for the Week “Be still and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) Question for the Week We are almost to the end of Great Lent. What, specifically, can I do for each member of my family this week to sustain and encourage them toward "finishing strong"? Thought for the Week: (On Serving Christ) Whenever I hear the parable of the Last Judgment, sinner that I am, I find myself justifying my imperfect life. When I hear, “I was hungry and you fed me,” I can’t help but think of the countless meals I have served my hungry husband and children. When I hear, “I was thirsty and you gave me drink,” I naturally think of all the liquids from within and without that I have given to my thirsty children. The same goes for, “I was sick, I was naked…” how many hours have we spent nursing sick children back to health, and how many dollars and hours have we spent on properly clothing our ‘naked’ children!! Of course, I know in my heart, I fall well short of this parable, and reckon myself amongst the goats, begging for God’s mercy on my well-intentioned but grossly selfish life. Sometimes it is enough just to get clean underwear in the drawers and a nice meal on the table! Is there any hope for us on judgment day? A beautiful abbess of a monastery once said, resolutely, “yes!” As women, we shared how we wanted to impart the Orthodox faith and be of more assistance to others in their lives, and she simply said, “Put that energy into REALLY LOVING AND SERVING YOUR FAMILY.” What a wakeup call. There is so much to do underneath our own roofs, we don’t need to look far for opportunities to love and serve others. Before we can blink an eye, our children are growing up and leaving our homes. Last week, we prayed the magnificent Canon of St. Andrew, at which the famous story of our beloved St. Mary of Egypt is read in its entirety. What an inspirational narrative! A wayward young woman follows the lusts of her heart and enters for seventeen years into harlotry, bringing down countless young men in the process. She comes to her senses through God’s intervention at the entrance of the Church displaying the life-giving Cross. Her therapy? What healed her soul? Like the greats of old, she was driven into the desert where she spent forty-one years battling her former lusts and sinful choices in order to regain life again as a true human person. The Holy Spirit revealed the Christian life to her, alone in the desert, with no community. Did she suffer on earth? Without measure, she suffered. She endured the intense heat of summer and the brutal cold of winter. She fought with all her soul to remain there in that wasteland knowing she could easily ‘walk’ and be back with civilization and her former way of life. She endured forty-one years of hell that she could spend eternity with our Lord, His precious Mother, and all the Saints. She left us an icon of true repentence. You and I live in warm homes with comfortable beds and food in our cupboards. We have beautiful families…amazing husbands, wonderful children. Have we sinned? Yes, we have sinned. But to repent, we don’t need to go to the desert. We have a different calling. We simply need to turn and look into the eyes and hearts of our family members and show love, concern and caring. Again, and again and again. Our families are our oasis and our desert. It is the community where we work out our salvation. How can we do this? With God’s help and through our efforts. We are now on the downhill side of Lent. We may be a little grumpy, and tired of legumes and vegetables. We may look forward to not rushing dinner for the services. But each morning, we wake up with another opportunity to serve, love and nurture our closest neighbors: our family. Our husbands are probably craving a little more protein right now. Their bodies are larger than ours, and they often skip meals (something we seldom do!) Make him a nice seafood dinner. Offer his favorite side dishes. Our children are sick to death of peanut butter and hummous. Recognize their struggles. Fix them a special Lenten treat. Most of us didn’t fast as children nearly as much as they do! We are not perfect wives and mothers. We don’t always pray and read as we ought. But, we support and love a man who is cultivating a Christian community in the Lord’s vineyard. We are raising responsible children and teaching them to love our Lord, His Holy Church and those around them by our example. When we do these things, we are surely serving our Lord, Jesus Christ. And with God’s mercy and help, we will find ourselves reckoned amongst the likenesses of St. Mary of Egypt, St. Gregory Palamas, and all those who have loved the Lord’s appearing. May the Lord strengthen each of us to love and joyfully serve our families and make the most out of these last few weeks of Great Lent. Try this terrific recipe this week: Mexican Shrimp and Scallop Soup Serves 6 1 T. oil (can omit oil by microwaving the onions and garlic, or by substituting with margarine) 1 chopped onion 3 minced garlic cloves 3 cups (or more) bottled clam juice 1 - 15 oz. can white hominy, rinsed and drained 1 cup salsa verde (tomatillo salsa - check the Mexican food section for an 8 oz. can) 2 T. finely chopped sun dried tomatoes (like the ones from Costco) 1 T. finely grated lime peel 1 lb. uncooked shrimp 1 lb. scallops (cut in half if they're too big) 4 T. chopped cilantro Heat oil (or margarine), add onion and saute 'til tender. Add garlic, stir 30 seconds. Add clam juice and next four ingredients, simmer 5 minutes. Add seafood and cilantro to tase. Simmer 'til seafood is cooked (shrimp should be pink when done), about 3 minutes. Serve with more cilantro, thinly sliced jalapeno, and lime wedges. Kali Anastasi! Week of April 7, 2008 Quote for the Week “As I ponder the true nature of compunction, I find myself amazed by the way in which inward joy and gladness mingle with what we call mourning and grief, like honey in a comb.... Compunction is…a gift from God, so that there is real pleasure in the soul, since God secretly brings consolation to those who in their hearts are repenting.” (St. John Climacus, The Ladder of Divine Ascent, Step 7) Scripture for the Week The world and everything that people want in it are passing away, but the person who does what God wants lives forever. (1 John 2:17) Question for the Week What am I cultivating in the garden of my soul? Am I sowing "seeds" (which germinate quickly) or "bulbs" (which take a bit longer to produce their blossoms)? Thought for the Week: (In the Garden) ‘Tis the season to head outdoors and feel the fresh, rich soil in our (gloved!) hands. There is nothing so fulfilling, peaceful and renewing than spending a morning or afternoon in the garden. It gets us out of the house, we hear the bright chirping of our friends, the birds, we see our gardening companion, the earth worm, and we get back in touch with what is delightful and wholesome on God’s green earth. What’s more, we get to use our creativity in a way that is intrinsically part of our human makeup. Why on ‘earth’ don’t we do it more? Here are 10 reasons to motivate us to spend more time in our gardens this year. The garden was mankind’s first home. It is here that we feel close to all of creation. Beautifying the world around us fulfills our innate desire to create and cooperate with God in nurturing living things. Planting and enjoying flowers is uplifting to our spirits. The garden provides a wonderful setting for reflection. Eating from your own garden is gratifying and healthy, too. Gardening is a useful life skill. The garden is the basis for much of our art, poetry, color, cuisine, crafts and science. Being outside is as important as breathing. It alleviates many of the maladies we, and our children, suffer from today. There’s something for everyone in the garden. People of all ages can find an aspect of gardening they enjoy. Gardening is a parallel to life. It is no coincidence that our most treasured feast takes place at a time when the earth is aglow with life, sound and color. Foremost, gardening helps us keep in mind that our life is but a brief cycle, like the grass and the flowers. We are given life, we live, and we die. And because of God’s great love for each of us, we get to spend eternity with our heavenly Father in, once more, a beautiful garden. Try something new this week! Here's a great salad dressing recipe - GINGER SESAME DRESSING 1 cup canola oil 2 Tbsp. Asian sesame oil 1/2 cup rice wine vinegar 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 cup soy sauce 1 1/2 tsp. Ground ginger 1 1/2 tsp. Dry mustard 1 tsp. Fresh ground pepper 2 tbsp. Sesame seeds, toasted. Serve on romaine or green leaf lettuce. Add tangerines, or oranges, nuts, celery and red onion. Add wonton strips or sugar coated almonds. Delicious! Week of March 31, 2008 Quote for the Week Jesus said: “Whoever wishes to follow Me, let him deny himself, take up his cross and follow Me.” The first duty… is to deny oneself. To deny oneself means to give up one’s bad habits; to root out of the heart all that ties us to the world; not to cherish bad thoughts and desires; to suppress every evil thought; to avoid occasions of sin; not to desire or to do anything out of self-love, but to do everything out of love for God. To deny oneself according to St. Paul means to be dead to sin…but alive to God.” (St. Innocent of Alaska) Scripture for the Week The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and plenteous in mercy. Psalm 103:8 Question for the Week How do I feel when I realize we have passed the mid-point of Lent? Is it relief for being halfway through or panic that I haven't yet achieved the changes I had hoped for? Thought for the Week: On the Cross We have approached the halfway point through Lent. This Sunday, we commemorated the Life-giving Cross of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is a good thing for us to contemplate the cross at this point, as the recipes start dwindling, the personal prayer life is lacking for all the services, and the will starts waning. Then comes the cross. When I think of the cross, I think of my husband’s strong back. Like our Lord, our husbands bear the sins and failings of others, without complaining. Like our Lord, they bear the burdens and pains of others and help in their healing. Like our Lord, they often receive what they do not deserve, and yet they continue to be motivated by love for others and service to our merciful God. The Orthodox priesthood is like none other, and the cross is part and parcel of the Orthodox faith and life. Sometimes I forget about my husband’s big cross and focus on my small one…the lack of a normal schedule, the lack of a private life. But, as St. Paul says, “I consider everything a loss compared to the surpassing greatness of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord, for whose sake I have lost all things. I consider them rubbish, that I may gain Christ and be found in him…” (Phil. 3:7-9) How do we bear our cross? With joy? With grumbling? Do we try to lighten our husband’s burdens or are we part of them? Let us examine ourselves as we continue, together with our husbands and children, our Lenten Journey, until we arrive at the foot of Golgotha, at the tomb, and ultimately at the feet of our resurrected Lord. This journey, more than a cross, is a privilege and a blessing. Heavenly Father, Help us to see our life and all that it encompasses as a precious gift from You. May we look with honor upon our unique role as wives whose husbands serve in your Holy Priesthood. May we support them, pray for them, love them. Bless us, strengthen us, and remind us we are not alone in this holy task. Amen. Week of March 24, 2008 Quote of the Week Children, let us cling to self-discipline and not be careless. For the Lord is our fellow-worker. As it is written, “to all that choose the good, God works with them for good.” But to avoid carelessness, we should consider Paul’s words, “I die daily.” If we also live as though dying daily, we won’t sin. This means that, as we rise day by day, we should think that we won’t live through the evening. Also, when we are about to lie down to sleep, we should think that we won’t wake up. For our life is naturally uncertain, and, Providence gives it to us daily. (St. Athanasios) Scripture of the Week Because Your love is better than life, my lips will glorify You. I will praise you as long as I live, and in your name I will lift up my hands. (Psalm 63:3-4) Question for the Week There's a fabulously wistful line from a song in the musical,"My Favorite Year", that proposes: "If the world were like the movies, we would never mistakes, we'd correct our little blunders, and select our better takes." If I could "rewind" anything from this past week and do a "retake", what would it be and how would I have played it out differently? Is there a way I can "rescript" for the future to avoid a similar circumstance? Thought for the Week: On Forming New Habits We’ve talked about diligence in building new habits. Let’s take it a step further and flesh out some real life examples. We can call this true repentance (metania); that is, transforming our mind (nous) and our actions into something that truly pleases our Lord and gives us a sense of peace and wholeness. Let’s say we have a bad habit of being jealous of our husband’s time at the church. He normally comes home for dinner, but tonight he called to tell you he scheduled a pre-marital meeting at the dinner hour so that, although he will come home late, he won’t have to go back again for another meeting. You know this decision is for the best, but your knee-jerk reaction is negative and not positive. You are silent. He picks up on this and tries to explain that he hates missing dinner, but at least he won’t have to leave again tonight. You hang up, not a happy camper. He comes home and you are moody. So let’s analyze this scenario. What are the benefits of your negative reaction? Probably none. What are the pitfalls? Many! Your children probably picked up on your negativity. Your husband now dreads coming home, even though he needs the relaxation and peace it offers. He knows there is going to be a reckoning and it’s the last thing he needs right now. So let’s rewind and do the whole thing over. Your husband is going to be late, but he will be home for good. You say, “great idea!” You let him know you made a scrumptious dinner and that you’ll keep it hot for him. You say, “I can’t wait to see you! I’ve missed you today!” He says the same. You hang up on an upbeat note. So now what are the benefits? Plenty!!! You have not broken fellowship with your husband. You’re husband now has motivation to keep his meeting brief. Every fiber of his being is yearning to come home, and when he arrives, you exceed his expectations with your pleasant demeanor. You have a satisfying time chatting over a leisurely dinner and another brick is added to the edifice of your family life. Here’s another possible scenario. You have a love/hate relationship with food. You love how it tastes, but you hate what it does to your womanly figure. You have tried for years without success to form new habits of eating and exercise, and you desire more than anything to fit into a size of clothing you can take pride in. Solutions?? Forget about the food and exercise for the moment. Take a new route. Subscribe to Prevention Magazine. Go to the library and get some helpful (balanced!) books, educating you on the benefits of eating right and exercising regularly (The Doctor’s Book of Food Remedies by Selene Yeager is an excellent choice). Make it a habit to study health. Soon, you are going to want to fill your refrigerator with an arsenal of nutritious, colorful, and healthy foods and get your rear into gear!! You will begin applying the concepts you are learning, abolishing your old, bad habits. Education coupled with willpower is a sure winner in forming new habits! Dear Lord, We are on this earth for such a brief time. Help us to live in ways that honor You and Your image within us. Assist us in giving up the ways of the ‘old man’ and living like a new creation. Make present in our lives, together with our meager efforts, Your promises of an abundant life, free of the shackles of sin and regret. Help us to trust and rely wholly on You while giving our very best efforts in accomplishing these things today, knowing we have received no promise for a tomorrow. Week of March 17, 2008 Quote for the Week "God knows the prayer of each person. So He knows very well who is seeking heavenly things only in appearance and who is seeking them from the depths of his being. He sees quite clearly who says the words of his prayer merely with his lips while his heart is elsewhere. He sees who asks for physical health, earthly riches or the praise of others." (St. Basil the Great) Scripture of the Week "The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied." (Proverbs 13:4) Question of the Week It only takes 21 consecutive days to lock in a new behavior. For many of us, this is a cinch on Monday thru Friday when our lives run on a pretty regular routine, but then comes the weekend and everything seems to explode (or implode, as the case may be). How can we take the offensive and sustain enough regularity over the weekend to keep those changes going? (Too bad we can't live 21 days of consecutive weekends to keep those behaviors locked in!) Thought for the Week: On Building Good Habits Last week, the thought was on diligence. Proverbs 13:4 asserts that: “The sluggard craves and gets nothing, but the desires of the diligent are fully satisfied.” And Proverbs 21:5 that, “The plans of the diligent lead to profit as surely as haste leads to poverty.” And finally, “Diligent hands will rule…” says Proverbs 12:24. Diligence leads to, and is supported by, good habits. Charles Glover, the 20th Services Squadron fitness and sports director at Shaw Air force Base claims that, according to research, it takes 21 days to build a habit. It also takes the same time to change a bad habit to a good habit. Why 21 days? Research shows that performing a challenging task for that number of days makes it a part of a person’s life. How encouraging this is! Think of all the bad habits you would like to change in your life…and the good ones you would like to incorporate into your life, and consider that this may only take three short weeks to accomplish! Key here is, of course, diligence. Performing a challenging task against all the forces of nature takes perseverance, steadfastness and single-mindedness. Of course, wisdom and discernment must be used in choosing habits that help our souls and bodies. Why not start today? Great Lent is the perfect time to grow in virtuous habits. Think of something that you dislike about yourself…it may be a habit as old as you are. Envision yourself abolishing and converting that something to a desirable trait. Maybe for you it’s jealousy, or anger, or over-eating. Maybe you want to become a regular walker, but lack the where-with-all to successfully become one. Or maybe you want to speak more kindly towards your loved ones. Just remember 21 golden days! Push yourself, hold your tongue, practice the opposite of your knee jerk reaction, and fervently, diligently, beseech God’s mercy and help! But pace yourself…if we succeed in building only one new habit every six months of our life, we are doing well. Make diligence your faithful friend to maintain your new habit, and thank God for any and all victories. Take joy in your growth! Good habits tend to beget more good habits, and before we know it, we will have a measure of living that we didn’t think possible. And all on account of a seed, planted in our souls at birth, to become more fully a child of God each day of our brief life. Dear Lord, You have taught us that we are not the slaves of sin, nor the pleasures of this life. Grant us wisdom and strength to grow in Your likeness this Lent, that the sacrifices of time and food may be to some wonderful end, a holier life, a healthier body, more loving relationships. Grant us diligence in accomplishing these things for Your glory, and our benefit, for You are holy unto the ages. Amen. ALMSGIVING IDEA Consider involving your family and or your parish in an almsgiving project by sending a Pascha greeting card to incarcerated brethren. The Orthodox Christian Prison Ministry called “St. Silas Fellowship” http://www.stsilas.org is collecting hand-colored Paschal icons for distribution to individual prisoners across America. Would you be willing to color one or more Paschal icons for prisoners? Here’s how: Download copies of the Paschal icon, carefully color the icons and mail them unfolded to St. Silas Fellowship. Fellowship of St. Silas Very Rev. Fr. David Ogan Post Office Box 822169 Vicksburg, MS 39182-2169 (601) 636-8392 Please color each icon neatly as prisoners often do not receive much mail and sometimes have little or no permission to display what they receive. However, we have heard that Orthodox icons, many times, are permitted as cell decoration. So, encourage your children to color neatly and to choose appropriate colors. Adults can color icons, also. Prohibited materials are glue, glitter or paint so steer clear of those—markers, crayons or colored pencils are acceptable media. It’s good to say a prayer for the person who will receive your icon while you color as the recipient is unknown to us—but God knows both the giver and receiver…may it be blessed! Colored icons may be signed by the artist—use first name only. Please do not fold your colored icon. Thanks in advance from St. Silas Fellowship prison ministry. Week of March 10, 2008 Dear Sisters - Fr. Hopko writes: “The lenten spring is welcomed by Christians in the Church… as the sanctified season… set apart for complete and total dedication to the things of God. It is the “tithe of the year” which tells us that all times and seasons belong to the Lord who has created and redeemed the world: The door of divine repentance has been opened. Let us enter with fervor, having cleansed our bodies, observing abstinence from foods and passions in obedience to Christ who has called the whole world to His heavenly kingdom, offering to the Master of all this TITHE OF THE YEAR, that we may look with love upon His Holy Resurrection” (Cheesefare Monday Matins) Quote of the Week What could be better, higher, more worthy of love and more splendid than our Lord Jesus Christ Himself, Who created the firmament, and adorned everything, gave life to everything, Who keeps everything, feeds everything and loves everything—Who is Himself love, more splendid than all men! Should you not love God above all things, wish for Him and seek Him? (St. Herman of Alaska) Scripture of the Week Blow the trumpet in Zion, declare a holy fast, call a sacred assembly. Gather the people, consecrate the assembly; bring together the elders, gather the children, those nursing at the breast. Let the bridegroom leave his room and the bride her chamber. Let the priests, who minister before the Lord, weep between the temple porch and the altar. Let them say, "Spare your people, O Lord. Do not make your inheritance an object of scorn, a byword among the nations. Why should they say among the peoples, 'Where is their God?" Joel 2:15-17 Question of the Week There is a huge emphasis on weeding things out of our lives during Great Lent, but what habit or routine would I most like to put into (or back into) my life? Thought for the Week: On Diligence The famous Nike worker who created the Michael Jordan line of athletic wear was known to say to those whom he met, “Make your bed each day!” What was he trying to inspire in his acquaintances? Diligence! Diligence is the mother of success on many levels, both spiritually and materially speaking. Diligence is the persistent and hard-working effort we put forth in whatever we wish to accomplish in life. It is the force of our God-given will expended, over a long period of time, to some (hopefully meaningful) end. Thus diligence in prayer leads to intimacy with our Lord. Diligence in worship leads to reverence, humility and the fear of God. Diligence in homemaking leads to a family that is well nourished and cared for. Diligence in using our gifts and talents leads to material gain and/or fruit for the sake of the kingdom. How can we grow in diligence? It must be coupled with good habits and a healthy life routine. Diligence helps us to establish habits and routines and yet it takes a routine to help us grow in diligence. Other important virtues that work together with diligence are: resolve, perseverance and single mindedness. There is so very much to be gained by becoming a more diligent person, and Great Lent is the perfect time to grow these personal qualities. Diligence is a mark of our character, and a fruit of our relationship with the Lord. Work though we may, it is Christ who grants us growth in virtue, and we must be diligent in asking Him to bestow upon us all the virtues that lead to eternal life, according to His Holy will. Now, that is something worth being diligent about!! Lenten Recipe for the Weekl: Curried Shrimp Kebobs Ingredients 24 Large Shrimp 2 tart apples 3 Tbs. Lemon juice 1 Tbs. curry powder 1 Tbs. Vegetable oil 1/2 tsp. Salt 1/4 tsp. Pepper 4 green onions cut into 1 inch lengths Couscous 3 cups vegetable stock 1 1/2 cups couscous 1/4 cup golden raisins 1/2 tsp. Salt 1/4 tsp. Pepper 1/4 cup roasted peanuts chopped Preheat over to broil of prepare grill. Peel and de-vein shrimp. Cut apple into 3/4 inch pieces. Place lemon juice, curry powder, oil salt and pepper in bowl. Add shrimp and apples, toss to coast. Thread 2 shrimp, 2 pieces green onion and 2 pieces apple on wooden or medal skewers. For Couscous; bring vegetable stock to a boil. Slowly stir in couscous, and all ingredients except peanuts. Adjust oven rack 4-6 inches from heat. Broil or grill skewers turning once until cooked 3 min. per side To serve, fluff couscous with fork sprinkle with peanuts – Place skewers over couscous and serve! Week of March 3, 2008 Quote for the Week "Imitate the prodigal son: leave the city that starves you. Come and beseech Him and you will behold the glory of God. Your face shall be enlightened and you will rejoice in the sweetness of paradise. Glory to the Lord and Lover of mankind Who saves us!" (St. Ephraim the Syrian) Scripture for the Week "Beloved, since Christ suffered in the flesh for us, arm yourselves with the same thought, for whoever has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin, so as to live for the rest of the time in the flesh no longer by human passions but by the will of God." (1 Peter 4:1-3) Question for the Week St. Ephraim's words above are striking: "leave the city that starves you". So often, we find ourselves in situations, circumstances, or relationships where we are spiritually starving. Is there a "city" within which I am starving? Is leaving this "city" an option for me? Or, is this a "city" ready for "urban renewal" through the life-changing power of the Holy Spirit? Thought for the Week: On Our Lenten Journey It will be here in only a few short days…are we preparing for the Lenten shift in our life? The Triodion is in liturgical use, and we have visited with Zacchaeus, the Publican and the Pharisee, and the Prodigal Son. Forgiveness Vespers will mark our official beginning and with Clean Monday the marathon will have begun. What have we learned from our prior Lenten Fasts that we can apply this year? Are we wiser? Do we know ourselves better? Have we a realistic set of goals that we may finish the race with as few scrapes and bruises as possible? Have we made an appointment with our spiritual father to have confession? How is our schedule right now, have we pared down our activities? Are we avoiding enrolling our children in extra-curricular activities this season? These are all questions that may prepare us for the most successful Lenten journey ever. May we take some time to examine ourselves, our schedules, our commitments and our priorities that we may plunge into this Lenten season with preparedness, a repentant heart, an openness to God, wisdom, and soberness…that we may greet our Bridegroom with lamps filled with oil and hearts full of faith and love. Week of February 18, 2008 Quote for the Week "Love all God's creation, the whole of it and every grain of sand. Love every leaf, every ray of God's light! Love the animals, love the plants, love everything. If you love everything you will perceive the divine mystery in things. And once you have pereeived it you will begin to comprehend it ceaselessly, more and more every day. And you will at last come to love the whole world with an abiding universal love. Love the animals: God has given them the rudiments of thought and untroubled joy. Do not therefore, trouble it, do not torture them, do not deprive them of their joy, do not go against God's intent. " (Starets Zosima in the novel The Brothers Karamazov, by Fyodor Dostoevsky) Scripture for the Week “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof…the world, and they that dwell therein.” (Psalms 24:1) Question for the Week How can what we do daily make us better stewards of our God-given world? Thought for the Week: On Stewardship of the Earth “There is the sea, vast and spacious, teeming with creatures beyond number—living things both large and small” (Psalms 103:25). Many of you may have read a news story recently concerning researchers who have been studying the effects humanity has had on our vast oceans. To the surprise of even the researchers, there are only a few corners of the world that have yet to be negatively impacted in some way by humanity. This is grim news. What environmental legacy are we leaving behind for future generations? What is the cost of our lust for more, for better, for cheaper? His All Holiness Patriarch Bartholomew wrote after the first five environmental summer seminars on Halki that: “…we have established that the protection of the environment in which humanity lives is a divine commandment. Our position is founded upon God’s commandment to those whom He first created, that they, according to the teaching of our faith, “ labor and tend the garden” in which they were first placed by Him. This is the theological basis for humankind’s role in the protection of the environment. Thus, at the beginning of this new millennium, it is not only our divine obligation to labor and utilize the fruits of His gifts on this terrestrial globe, but also we, as His most humble servants, are responsible for tending of the garden of Eden.” This is profound indeed. But how does this impact you and me? How can what we do daily make us better stewards of our God-given world? Plenty! Consider the following: Americans are the number one global trash offenders. Consider the refuse your family creates each week. Find ways to minimize your garbage by shopping for products with less packaging, buying bulk items, and buying only what you need. There are 40 million plastic bottles that go into the trash or become litter each day, claims one non-profit group. These are bottles that could have been recycled. What can we do? Buy re-usable water bottles for our families, and install water purifiers in our homes. When we do use plastic bottles, make a greater effort to recycle them rather than put them in the garbage. Keeping your car well-tuned with proper tire inflation will reduce pollution and save fuel. Map out your errands and trips to maximize fuel efficiency. The average American meal can travel 1500 miles to your dinner plate. Buying local food and products saves the energy it takes to bring it to you. Support your local farmer’s markets! Remember that our Orthodox fasting diet is the least harmful diet to our earth (this will help our fasting attitude!). Make a family garden. Create your own Garden of Eden at home. The chemical choices you make in your garden and home make an impact on your own living environment and on the environment at large. Read carefully; choose wisely. Saving energy in your home reduces the CO2 released into our environment and will also save you money. Get a free energy audit of your home. Lower the thermostat and support renewable energy options in your area. Water is one of our most precious resources. Install low-flow showerheads (your teenagers will live!). Turn down the water-heater temperature. When needing to replace a hot water heater, look into an instantaneous hot water unit--hot water on demand, only when it's needed. ‘Getting out of the city’ will remind you of the sublimity of God’s creation, and will help you make wiser decisions at home to promote and preserve the earth’s beauty. Take your family on hikes, enjoy the splendor of the earth, and be a family that is environmentally educated and steward-minded. Being aware of what we do, what we buy, and how it impacts our environment is a great start to environmental stewardship. Let us all think before we act, and once again become ‘tenders of the garden.’ We are all accountable to God for the choices we make…let us use the surplus of information on conservation to help us, as Orthodox Christians, hold the highest environmental standards for ourselves. May we, like the saints, learn to live in harmony with nature and sanctify the world around us. “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fulness thereof…the world, and they that dwell therein” (Psalms 24:1). Week of February 11, 2008 Quote for the Week What counts in making a happy marriage is not so much how compatible you are, but how you deal with incompatibility. (Leo Tolstoy) Scripture for the Week Look to the LORD and his strength; seek his face always. Remember the wonders he has done, his miracles, and the judgments he pronounced. (1 Chronicles 16:11-12) Question for the Week What better week than Valentines' to contemplate our spousal relationships? What are the qualities I saw in you that first attracted me to you? How do I feel as I recall those qualities now? What are the qualities that attract me to you now? Do I make the effort to share these with you on a regular basis? Thought for the Week: On a Great Marriage There are many "okay" marriages dotting the planet earth, but we don’t want "okay" marriages! We want GREAT marriages…the kind God intended us to have! No matter how challenged our lives or marriages might feel at times, it's worth reminding ourselves of ways that WE can impact change, instead of waiting for life or our mates to "fix everything." Here are some things we can do TODAY to improve our marital harmony and enjoyment. In honor of St. Valentine's Day, let us strive to love our husbands as God would have us love them. Be an understanding wife. Our guys are literally at the front line, and they need to feel special and loved when they step through the threshold of our home. Enjoy every moment you have with your beloved. He will probably be gone before you are. Recognize the need for both you and your spouse to take personal time. Try not to keep track of it…ask for it when you need it. Give it when he asks. Show your husband he is the most important person in your life (after God). Do not think your words can replace or make up for your actions. Prime your children to love and have understanding for their father and the Church he serves. Remember your youthful times together. There is nothing to stop us from being romantic, playful, and attractive to one another today. Be motivated to organize and prioritize your life so that you are prepared to give yourself fully to your husband and family whenever the time arises. Never forget that a good meal is vital to a man’s life, and gives the key to his heart to his loving wife! Don’t waste your precious time together on negative conversation. Be pleasant and upbeat. Look for the good in your life. Let the Lord carry your burdens. We have no guarantee of tomorrow. Our Maker alone knows when we will pass from this precious life. Live each day with your husband and family as if it is your last…. "Dear Lord, give us the strength and desire to have wonderful marriages; bringing glory to You and life to those around us. Amen." Week of February 4, 2008 Quote for the Week "For Holy Communion, the confession of our sins to a father confessor is needed; whereas for our communication with God, the confession of our weaknesses before Him is necessary." (Elder Paisios) Scripture for the Week "Although I am less than the least of all God's people, this grace was given me: to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ, and to make plain to everyone the administration of this mystery, which for ages past was kept hidden in God, who created all things. His intent was that now, through the Church, the manifold wisdom of God should be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly realms, according to his eternal purpose which he accomplished in Christ Jesus our Lord. In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence." (Ephesians 3:1-12) Question for the Week How do you feel when you consider that we, who are "less than the least of God's people", are entrusted with the sharing of the Gospel message to the people around us? Thought for the Week: "Chip, Chip, Chip Away!" Time seems to slip like sand through our fingers. It feels like there’s never enough of it to do what we most enjoy in life. Not that we mind cooking, cleaning, shopping, chauffeuring, or working outside the home, but these works bring a temporary satisfaction until the next meal, the next load of laundry, the next paycheck, etc. We want to get to other ventures, but few are the days when we are awarded with enough time to start and finish something like framing precious photos, planting seedlings for our garden or inputting addresses for next year’s Christmas cards. There has to be a way, and there is! But it is not necessarily the way WE want it. How many times have we started something we really want to do, only to have meals, laundry, and straightening thrown to the wind? This is NOT the way. We need to take small bites in order to accomplish our goals. It doesn’t take long before a dripping faucet fills up the bucket, and we all know the tortoise’s victory. We just need his PERSEVERENCE. So we have to think differently. An "all or nothing attitude" earns us nothing but frustration. Imagine a mother duck with her ducklings, patiently bringing them along, down the way, across the pond, hither and thither. She doesn’t lose one very often. We are like that mother duck, and the ducklings represent all that our life embodies: wife, mother, worker, artist, musician, hobbyist, whatever makes you uniquely YOU. You must learn to "bring along" all these responsibilities and interests in a way that doesn’t compromise your family or your particular gifts and interests. Sure, there are seasons when you will do well to provide the basics then fall into bed from a job well done. But it won’t be long until you’re itching to paint, or plant, or create. The key is, "Chip, Chip, Chip Away!" Five minutes here, a half hour there, but never at the expense of your cherished relationships. In this way, we can use our God-given talents and interests to enrich our home life, our families, and our communities. “Slow and steady wins the race." “Lord, grant us patience. And please do it quickly! Amen.” Week of January 21, 2008 Quote for the Week "Has a brother been the occasion of some trial for you and has your resentment led you to hatred? Do not let yourself be overcome by this hatred, but conquer it with love. You will succeed in this by praying to God sincerely for your brother and by accepting his apology; or else by conciliating him with an apology yourself, by regarding yourself as responsible for the trial and by patiently waiting until the cloud has passed." (St. Maximos the Confessor) Scripture for the Week "Let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God–truly righteous and holy." (Ephesians 4:23-24) Question for the week Is there someone who has "been the occasion of some trial" for me? Has my resentment led to hatred? (Am I even willing to admit that hatred in one of its various forms--jealousy, annoyance, etc.--might actually be there?!) Am I willing to lay an axe to the root of this weed and earnestly pray for this person and allowing God's love to supplant my own reactions? Thought for the Week: On Cynicism If you would like to quickly destroy your soul, there is a simple way: through the toxin of cynicism. Cynicism is to a human person what poison is to a rodent, the bait is irresistible but deadly. Here’s how it works: Rather than look to your own soul and thus your own sins, glance sideways and look to your neighbor instead. Poke fun, be crass, tear down… see not Christ, but a sinner. But only do so if you want to erase all good fruit from your life. We are susceptible to cynicism because we seek perfection and project that onto those around us. As well, our physical eyes look outward, and we easily notice the sins of others if we are not practicing vigilance. But the Lord tells us to see with the eyes of our souls…to look to Him and to look within ourselves, and only when we have removed the log from our own eye are we to aid our neighbor in removing the speck from theirs. Only in this way can we protect ourselves from cynicism, this self-delusion and road to utter destruction. Bend your neck, repent of all gossip, sarcasm and cynicism and find Christ in your neighbor. Thus, we will become friends of the Lord. It was such a joy to share in the San Francisco Metropolis Sisterhood Retreat in January. We were blessed to have Sister Magdalene of the Community of St. John the Baptist in Essex be our guest speaker. We wanted to include her address, in case any of our sisters and their parish bookstores are interested in ordering her most recent book entitled "Conversations with Children" Communicating our Faith. It is extraordinary! This book is very costly when purchased through booksellers throughout the United States, but if you write directly to Sister Magdalene, she will send you books at 40% off + shipping costs. (Your final payment will need to be made in British pounds). Well worth the effort for a fabulous book - especially for families in your community! Her address is: Sister Magdalen Community of St. John the Baptist Tolleshunt Knights Maldon Essex CM9 8EZ ENGLAND Week of January 21, 2008 Quote for the Week "Prayer is a conversation of man with God. He who prays with a broken and humbled spirit is filled with divine gifts and blessings - that is, with joy, peace, comfort, illumination and consolation - and he, too, becomes blessed. Prayer is the double-edged sword that slays despair, saves from danger, assuages grief, and so on. Prayer is a preventive medicine for all diseases of soul and body." (Elder Ephraim of Mt. Athos) Scripture for the Week "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:16) Question for the Week There was a popular song that came out several years ago that had a line in it that was unusually striking. It simply said that "there's more room in a broken heart". Do you recognize this ability within your own heart to receive so much more when it is broken? Thought for the Week - Growth in Pain Why is it that we grow more through painful situations than through joyful ones? You cut a rose plant and it hastens to grow into ever more beautiful blooms. This is true also in our lives. Sometimes we wish we would not make errors, that somehow God would prevent us from saying and doing things that, even unwittingly, harm others. But it seems God does not always guard us in this way. He knows that it is through these moments of pain, embarrassment, humiliation, whatever the case may be . . . it is then that we have our most lucid moments, seeing the glory and holiness of our Creator and the sinfulness of us, His creation. As difficult as it is, these are the moments to thank God for . . . that we may truly see who we are and use that vision to propel us onto true repentance; that we may, like the rose, blossom forth into a sweetly fragranced flower, and become a witness of the creative energies of the Master Gardener, our Lord Jesus Christ. Week of January 15, 2008 Quote for the Week "Be a good tree. Do not fool yourself that you can produce good fruits if you are a bad tree; good fruit comes only from a good tree. So, change your heart and your actions will change, too. Weed out greed and plant love. As “the root of all evil is greed,” so the root of all good is love." (Blessed Augustine) Scripture for the Week Then he said to them, "Watch out! Be on your guard against all kinds of greed; a man's life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions." (Luke 12:15) Question for the Week In what practical ways can I begin to "weed out greed and plant love" in my life? Thought for the Week: On Staying Current Have you ever been swimming when someone jumps on top of you in the water and down you go, not having taken a good breath? It’s a scary feeling, to be sure. Sometimes we get that same feeling in our day-to-day life…especially as Presvyteres. There is so much for us to manage, sometimes it feels like we are taking a nosedive to the bottom of the pool, and can scarcely come up for air. It may seem like everyone around us is so together…why is it so difficult to keep up? Of course, not every Presvytera feels this way. We all have differing numbers of kids, different sized parishes, and differing financial means. But enough do feel this struggle that it is worth exploring. Let’s mention, first off, that being a priestly family necessitates that a great deal of the family/home responsibilities falls on our shoulders. It doesn’t mean our husbands are exempt from helping with the family and around the home, they just truly do not have the discretionary time that other husbands may have. So straight away we must say, it isn’t helpful comparing. Secondly, we chose this deck of cards, and we must accept the hand dealt in our lives. Period. Otherwise any suffering is our own doing. So rather than feel sorry for ourselves, it is much more productive to put some new tricks up our sleeves and get our precious lives in order that we may feel more like free stylers than sinkers. Here are some great principals to keep in mind: Live within your means. Know your finances at all times. Give to the church on a routine basis. Put God first, and you will be blessed. You may not become a millionaire, but you will not starve. Stay current on your chores. Don’t leave for tomorrow what should be done today. It will kick start your day to begin with a clean home. Live within your given space. It may not be your forever home, but try to keep only what comfortably fits in your current space. Try to live at 80% capacity of your closet space. It is easier to find things and put away clean items in drawers and closets that are not overstuffed. Process paper work daily or at set times each week. Always deal with important papers first. Create a filing system and use it regularly. Continually toss what you no longer need. Create notebooks to organize your family’s current important papers. Be routine about prayer, a little reading, exercise, e-mail. Depend upon quality, nutritional food for your daily nourishment. Minimize sugar and processed or artificial products. Avoid eating out. It’s a budget killer. Shop after the New Year sales for the best prices. Stock up on next year’s gifts. Add a few items to keep your wardrobe current. Stay focused. Keep your planner with you. Use technology to manage your life. Do what you enjoy. Make time for friends. Cherish each moment with your husband. Parent and take joy in your children. Offer your gifts and talents, as you are able. Ask for God’s guidance and grace each and everyday. Remember that because of you, your parish has a wonderful priest! Week of January 1, 2008 BLESSED NEW YEAR! Quote for the Week “Without the health of body, material things are of no benefit to you. Without streams of prayer, what you have sown will not be watered. Without the help of prayer you shall not reap what you sow. Without the mercy of the Creator, there can be no good, no blessing. Be earnest then in prayer, and your barns will overflow. Winter and summer be earnest in prayer; for winter and summer prayer is necessary for us.” (St. Ephraim the Syrian) Scripture of the Week “For He has strengthened the universe so that it cannot be moved. Ready is your throne from the beginning; You are from everlasting.” (Psalms) 92:2 Question of the Week Do I “water” what I “sow” with “streams of prayer”? Or, do I simply “scatter seeds” in hopes that some of them might survive and produce, leaving their watering to others or to chance? Thought: On Respect I once had the blessing of staying at the home of a beautiful widow of 20 years. She spoke at length about her husband and how much she missed the life they once shared. She said that she was once visiting with a good friend. The conversation turned, and her friend began complaining about her husband. The widow replied to her, “If he only sits on the couch and breathes, you should be thankful for that man in your life.” How meaningful from a woman who had, no longer, even that fair pleasure. What wisdom she shared with me. What conviction! Our husbands do so much more than “sit and breathe,” and how easy it is for us to find fault in them! Rather, we, as presvyteres, ought to regard our husbands with the highest esteem. Does this mean they are faultless or perfect? Of course not! Does it mean we never share thoughts or ideas that may be helpful to them? No. We would betray our role as helpmate if we did. What our husbands need and desire most from us the wise Paul wrote in his Epistle to the Ephesians. We hear it during every wedding service, “However, each one of you also must love his wife as he loves himself, and the wife must respect her husband (Ephesians 5:32-33).” If we obey the second portion of this simple command, we will find most assuredly our husbands will dutifully fulfill the first part with joy and delight. Respect for our husbands increases our endearment to them. It makes us more lovable. Let us make our New Year resolution this: to respect with our whole being the unique, attractive, valiant person we have chosen and joined in sacred matrimony, his priesthood, and all that he represents, with diligence, attentiveness, and perseverance. We will thus protect our marriages, our family, and our communities, as much as is possible through God’s abiding grace and love. May the Lord strengthen and help us each in fulfilling this noble task. Week of December 24, 2007 Your sisters from "Prez to Prez" wishes you a blessed Christmas and a joyous new year! "Christ is Born!" "Glorify Him!" "Your birth O Christ our God did shine upon the world and through the light of wisdom illumined the universe and to those who held the stars in worship did through a star learn to worship You. Worship You the sun of righteousness and came to know You the Light from on high. Glory to You O Lord." (Apolytikon of the Nativity) "Today, the Virgin bears Him who is transcendent, and the earth presents the cave to Him who is beyond reach. Angels, along with shepherds glorify Him. The Magi make their way to Him by a star. For a new child has been born for us, the God before all ages." (Nativity Kontakion) The Fourth Wise Man What you would like to give Christ as a gift on His birthday? Your gift should reflect your offering of love, talents, and treasure. Put Christ first, above all in your living and your life. Three Wise Men, led by a star, went to worship the Baby of Bethlehem, and gave Him, as gifts, gold, frankincense, and myrrh. They say there was another Wise Man, called Artaban. He was to meet the Three Wise Men in Babylon and then start together the journey to find and worship the Newborn Baby. Artaban sold all his possessions, bought three jewels, a sapphire, a ruby, and a pearl, to present to the Baby, and he set out to join the other three Wise Men. On his way, Artaban saw an unknown injured man, and stopped to help him. To do this, he had to sell his sapphire. Because of this, he was delayed. So when he reached Babylon, he found that the other three Men had already departed. He set out alone again. But when he arrived in Bethlehem, he found that the three Wise Men had come and gone, and that Joseph of Nazareth and his family had fled to Egypt. "I will leave immediately for Egypt to worship the new King," exclaimed Artaban. But at this point, a solider came to slay a woman's child on orders from Herod. Artaban gave the soldier his ruby and the infant's life was saved. He then hurried to Egypt, where he wandered in vain, searching for the King. Old and weary, after 33 years, Artaban finds himself in Jerusalem. Then he learns that a so-called King of Israel was to be crucified that very day. There upon he determines to ransom Him with his pearl. But on his way to Golgotha, Artaban was stopped by a young girl who was being dragged off by two brutal soldiers. He gave them his last jewel, the pearl, to the soldiers to save her, instead. When a little later, Jesus was dying on the cross, Artaban realized that he could neither ransom Him not pay tribute to Him, as it was too late and as he did not have any jewels left. Artaban collapsed from sorrow, but when he was lying face down he heard a soft voice, saying: "I was hungry and thirsty and you gave me food and drink; I was naked and sick and you clothed me and visited me." "Not so, my King," protested Artaban. "Thirty-three years I have looked for You, but I have never seen Your Face, not served You, my Lord." But the voice replied: "Whatever you have done unto one of the least of these my brothers, you have done it to me." - Taken from Lovely Little Stories by Metropolitan G Polizoides As Presvyteres we are given jewels, the jewels of love, talent and treasure. In imitation of the Fourth Wise Man – offer them selflessly to the least of those whom you encounter along life’s journey and see the light of Christ in those you serve. Christ is born! Glorify Him! Week of December 17, 2007 Don't miss our Metropolis of San Francisco Sisterhood Retreat with Sister Magdalen on January 18 - 20, 2008 at St. Nicholas Ranch and Retreat Center. Please mail your registration form in today! Attached you will find the Registration Form for our retreat! Quote for the Week He became a servant on earth; He was Lord on high. Inheritor of the height and depth, Who became a stranger. But the One Who was judged wrongly will judge in truth, and He in Whose face they spat, breathed the spirit into the face. He Who held a weak reed was the scepter for the world that grows old and leans on Him. He Who stood [and] served His servants, sitting, will be worshipped. He Whom the Scribes scorned the Seraphim sang "holy" before Him. (Saint Ephraim the Syrian) Scripture of the Week: Prophecy from the Prophet Isaiah "Here is my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen one in whom I delight; I will put my Spirit on him and he will bring justice to the nations. (Isaiah 42:1) Question for the Week What does it mean to me when someone is described as having a servants heart? Do I know someone I would describe this way? What is it about him/her that I would wish to emulate in my own life? Thought for the Week This time of year is so busy as we plow through the endless list of mailings, Christmas programs, last-minute to-do lists, and then, something comes along that completely bring us up short and reminds us of those things most precious. It is an annual Christmas tradition in our family to carol at a local hospice on Christmas Eve. One year, we arrived at the hospice as usual, and the director met us at the door and gave us a short briefing on each patient before we entered each room. The last room was one that we will never forget. The directo's briefing was not nearly enough to prepare us for the sight we would behold on the other side. For there, in the room where there would normally have been a hospital bed, stood a crib, and in the crib, lay a small, delicate baby. Baby Julia had been born with difficulties that her little body could no longer tolerate. This Christmas would be both her firstand her last. As she lay there, our eyes met one another's. Only one song would do for this beautiful slumbering baby: a lullaby for another infant born 2000 years ago--the One into Whose arms she would soon find herself abiding. As we reached the words, Sleep in Heavenly Peace, tears flowed and voices wavered slightly as the emotions welled up within us. As we left, the director smiled and murmured softly, "You know, that was her very first Christmas carol." We left the hospice that night with a different perspective on the preciousness of life, on the blessing of children in our lives, and the comforting assurance of a God who gathers us to Him. May we all find time to pause this week and reflect on those things most precious and needful in our lives. Sacred Hymn to Ponder At that time, since Mary was of the house of David, she registered with the Venerable Joseph in Bethlehem. She was with child, having conceived virginally. Her time was come and they could find no room in the inn, but the cave seemed a joyful palace for the Queen. Christ is born to renew the likeness that had been lost of old. (Troparion of the Paramony of Christmas) Week of December 10, 2007 Quote for the Week We cannot be saved by seeking just our own individual salvation; we need to look first to the good of others. In warfare, the soldier who takes to flight to save his own skin brings disaster on himself as well as on the others, whereas the good soldier who takes up arms on behalf of his comrades saves his own life along with theirs. Many of our brothers and sisters have fallen in this battle, wounded and covered with blood, with no one to care for them. There is no one to look after them, no layman, no priest, no comrade, no friend, no brother, because we are all of us seeking our own individual salvation, and thereby spoiling our chance of attaining it. (St. John Chrysostom) Scripture of the Week: Prophecy from the Prophet Isaiah Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap as an hart, and the tongue of the dumb sing: for in the wilderness s hall waters break out, and streams in the desert. (Isaiah 35:5-6) Question for the Week At this time of year, I remember a scene from an old Flintstones cartoon where shoppers were lined up outside the doors of a department store until the doors were unlocked and one particular patron led the crowd in with a cry of, CHARGE!!!, and in they went like a herd of buffalo! As we draw closer to Christmas, our to do lists seem to grow exponentially along with a sometimes overwhelming sense of urgency. Am I willing to set aside my list for a day (or even a portion of a day) to assist someone else who may be struggling with their own list? Thought for the Week:On Assets and Liabilities We all would like to improve our assets, and decrease our liabilities. The same holds true for our lives. We want to be the greatest asset we can be to our husband, our children, and our community. That is bold, you may say. It is bold and true. We are, so to speak, our husbands greatest assets. If we are for them, it matters not who is against them. We have the power to love, support, and lift up our husbands, even in the most difficult situations. We can be a tremendous aid in their ministry, simply by being a kind, friendly person. A presvytera who is an example of patience and kindness is indeed a blessing to her husband and community. A wonderful 94-year-old man once said, "It don't cost nothing to be nice." Ladies, our husbands are priests of the Most High God. Their cross is heavy and large. Let us not be an other thorn in their side, but rather through our virtuous life, let us be builders and not tearers-down of the life God has bestowed upon us. Let us demonstrate exceeding kindness to our husbands and to the people Christ has brought us to serve. Dear Lord, grant us words of gentleness and kind-heartedness. Let us look with admiration upon our husbands, letting them know through every compassionate look and helpful action that we are on their side and that they can count on us to bear our cross along side theirs, together serving and loving Gods people. Amen Week of December 3, 2007 Quote for the Week “The purpose of the advent of the Savior, when He gave us His life-giving commandments as purifying remedies in our passionate state, was to cleanse the soul from the damage done by the first transgression and bring it back to its original state. What medicines are for a sick body, that the commandments are for the passionate soul.” (St. Isaac the Syrian) Scripture of the Week: Prophecy from the Prophet Isaiah “Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a Virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call his name Immanuel,” which means: God is with us. (Isaiah 7:14) Question for the Week Inarguably, we Orthodox adhere to the Ten Commandments. How do I “remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy”? How do I extend my keeping of the Sabbath beyond attending Liturgy? Is this an area in which I would like to challenge myself this Advent? Sacred Hymn to Ponder “Today the Virgin is on her way to the cave where she will give birth in a manner beyond understanding to the Word who is, in all eternity. Rejoice, therefore, universe, when you hear it heralded; with the angels and the shepherds, glorify Him who chose to be seen as a new-born Babe, while remaining God in all eternity.” (Kontakion of the Preparation of the Nativity) Thought for the Week: Whole House Clean Up Do you ever feel like a librarian, but instead of shelving books, you are shelving your family’s possessions? If every member of your family takes out and does not put away even a dozen items (an underestimation), that’s 60 items to "re-shelf"! Add to this the Advent Season with all the commitments and pressure it can bring, the challenge of Lenten cooking, and before you know it, this pot is going to blow its lid! Let us, rather, set ourselves up for success this Advent season. Have a "whole house cleanup" today or ASAP. This means everybody pitches in and helps put everything back in its place, gets the laundry going, does team dusting, vacuuming, and a five minute bathroom rescue for each bathroom. If you can get your husband on the same page with you, this task will be a breeze. Promise that you will bring out Christmas decorations this week if they will help do this today (or if this is too stressful an idea--think of another appropriate reward--they help!). Then (here comes the hard part), be unwaveringly ruthless in monitoring and holding people accountable for putting away their own things. Out of place items become more apparent on a cleared counter or empty floor. Require the children to leave their rooms with a made bed and toys put away each morning. It’s a worthy goal and one that will serve them well throughout life. Get it kick started with a reward system. Accent the positive! A group effort at reducing/eliminating clutter that stems from bad habits will give you one of the best boosts you can ask for this season. Remember to reward yourself, too, with the things that are important and bring warmth and joy to our lives--a nice meal, Christmas programs, and Church attendance with a peaceful, loving attitude. A "Whole House Clean Up" will provide a homey springboard for your family to really enjoy this special, holy season. Amen! Week of November 26, 2007 Quote for the Week "Be attentive towards yourself. Strive to be at peace, be quick to forgive, pour out your repentance and sorrows before the Lord more frequently, act according to your conscience - you will then feel better and attain salvation. Nothing comes without effort. Labor for God and you will be saved." (Abbot Nikon) Scripture for the Week "Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful. And pray for us, too, that God may open a door for our message, so that we may proclaim the mystery of Christ, for which I am in chains. Pray that I may proclaim it clearly, as I should. Be wise in the way you act toward outsiders; make the most of every opportunity. Let your conversation be always full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone."(Colossians 4:2-6) Question of the Week How lovely is the concept that our conversations should always be "full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how to answer everyone". Salt was a precious commodity which made things more palatable and could also be used as a preservative. What if we allowed God's grace to infuse our responses to others with these special qualities? How can our conversations be "full of grace, seasoned with salt, so that we may know how to answer others? Thought for the Week: On Negative Talk We all know that our husbands are probably, on occasion, the subject of someone’s dinner conversation. Good or bad may be said, we will never truly know. But does the reverse happen as well? Are our parishioners ever the subject of OUR dinner conversations…good or bad? Nothing will hurt our ministries more than allowing negative talk or gossip to transpire at our dinner tables. Does it mean we never have a conversation with our husband about a parishioner? It depends on the priest, but most of us will probably have SOME conversations (positive or negative), hopefully limited, about our parishioners. The key here is, DISCERNMENT. We all know that there exist in our parishes hurting, sick, and ill-intentioned people. Unfortunately some of these people end up in leadership positions and can be great thorns in our husbands' (and others') sides. They may cause pain in our communities. However, in order to stay above reproach, and to be right in God’s eyes, we must be careful about what we say about these situations, ESPECIALLY AROUND OUR CHILDREN. We, as adults, understand the dynamics of life: the hardship, the difficulties, the realities, etc., BUT OUR CHILDREN DO NOT NEED THIS INFORMATION. It will harm them and distort their view of the priesthood and of our Holy Orthodox Church. Also not talking about others in front of young children, because in their refreshing honesty and lack of filters, your comments will undoubtedly get (embarassingly) repeated! Rather than discuss our parishioners, it would be better to pray for them, to love them and to support our husband in all ways, as he bears the brunt of almost everything in the parish. There is a good rule of thumb we can apply in almost any situation: If we are talking about our own sins, it is confession; if we are talking about the sins of others, it is gossip. Week of November 19, 2007 Quote for the Week The Christian, even here on earth, must accustom himself to live the heavenly life, in faithfulness to Christ and His commandments; in fasting, in renunciation, in prayer, love, meekness, gentleness, patience, courage and mercy. How hard will the hour of death be to the person who in his lifetime made idols of money or food and drink, or earthly honors! In that hour none of these things shall serve him, while his heart, because it is strongly attached to them, does not possess the true treasure which would give him eternal life. Let us then be faithful servants of Christ, caring principally for the soul that it may be saved. St. John of Kronstadt Scripture of the Week You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God. 2 Corinthians 9:11 Question of the Week What treasures do I spend the most time and effort storing up? How do I feel about my answer? Thought of the Week: On Giving Thanks There is nothing more vital, more crucial, and more essential than the simple act of giving thanks. What else can we give to our Creator and Maker? He has no need for our praise, our great deeds, our creations… He has need of nothing, yet He created this lovely world with its infinite possibilities for our sake, and for our salvation. Do we remember to give thanks, if not moment by moment, then day by day? Have we ceased to bear in mind the great gift of our own life, and the lives of those around us? Satan would have this ‘stealing of our memory,’ which leads to a life of discontent, restlessness, and disgruntlement, but clearly God is not the author of this erroneous way of being. What can we give our Lord in thanksgiving for all He has given to us? Here is a little list of reminders to keep us on the straight and narrow of a Eucharistic (thanksgiving-centered) life. 1. Look for goodness wherever you can find it. 2. Look for the strengths and talents in those around you. 3. Affirm, often, those strengths and talents in others. 4. Be cheerful and a light in a dark world. 5.