Whom Do You Say That I AM?

Father Deacon Raphael, aka FDR or my hubby gave the sermon yesterday. Just wanted to share: http://bonovox.squarespace.com/journal/

Live as Christians

"Beloved Christians, you and your children shall appear at that Judgment of Christ, and you shall give account for them to the just Judge. He will not ask you whether you have taught your children the arts or whether you have taught them to speak French, or German, or Italian, but whether you have taught them to live as Christians." -- St. Tikhon of Zadonsk

One, Two...Testing

I began the kids CAT (California Achievement Test) yesterday. These are incredibly basic exams but to the children: a dreaded task where they look at the test as pure punishment. "Insert the square peg into the round hole and you shall fail if it does not fit." Notice my sarcasm? We (FDR & I) don't particularly agree with standardized testing but it is "required" in New York State, so we oblige. The above cartoon just about sums up my reasoning. Although, it could be worse, if residing in California, where the parent is required to be certified when teaching a child at home. Can you say, "Constitutional Rights?" However, these little exams are the "red-tape" we need to place into the students records -- a piece of paper to forever keep in their education file. Okay, it helps me assess their strengths & weaknesses - basically speaking.

"It is so boring", says Colin. What did he want, a circus to come to town and present the test?! Ahhh! Sarcasm with my 11 year old...such sport! But he is correct...it's too easy for him.

"I can't understand what they are asking!", moans Hannah. She prefers me to sit near by for the entire test. "This", she says "helps me feel better." She finishes without a major melt down and that is a major accomplishment.

Colin, our eldest, aka "Mr. C" easily whipped through the test. However, throughout the year, he displayed laziness with disdain to every subject, except History and only when Daddy was teaching. I'm beginning to think that the "C" stands for "Couch-loafer" or more appropriate: "Con-artist." There is no doubt in my mind that he is a natural learner and is capable of doing way above his age/grade level. How to get him off the couch without threatening his life? Well, that is entirely a different undertaking. Someday, FDR and I would like our very own (small) working farm -- for we know, shoveling manure would do Mr. C some good!

Hannah, our second, surely plays the part of the eldest. She is continually reminded: "That I am the mother." She is organized and motivated BUT when she is not "in the mood"....watch out! Hmm...is she like me, after all?! She started the test beautifully eventually losing steam. I held Colin's easiness to her. This was not fair.

Colin and Hannah are clearly two different individuals with their own abilities and developments. While home schooling two, three and four...it's necessary to continually change your teaching methods -- to switch gears with each child. It can be trying...but when you assign according to your child's abilities, they are capable of so much -- more than you thought and attitudes seem to make the adjustment. Most days all it takes is letting go of your agenda.

We, as their parent/teachers, are here to guide their interests, talents, differences, and abilities and let them run with it...instructing them along the way according to The Church and God's perfect will. We are to assist in steering and not to hold on too tightly. As each year passes, my steering grip loosens, yet cautiously, as they learn how to live out God's will. I will continue to pray along the way that they stay the course and "fight the good fight!" in the hope that they become independent, yet completely dependent upon our Heavenly Father.

Something I am still striving for...taught through my children -- tested more than I ever thought possible! God is Good!

"Blessed are you, O Christ our God..."

Recently, FDR wrote on his blog about me, a tribute far too magnanimous.

Therefore, on this Father's day, I am especially reflective when it comes to dear hubby, this incredible father to our 4 beautiful children.

He is kind & gentle, not the gentle where he can't do a man's day work (you should have seen him carry all the boxes for the yard sale -- extremely impressive), but that he thinks before he speaks, is careful with his delivery and expresses himself with such diplomacy, one wonders if he is ever affected by negativity. I believe he lets it fall to the wayside.

He is patient -- so very patient with me and the children -- we love him so tenderly and with much enthusiasm. FDR is somewhat of an introvert while he is introspective with his thoughts on life, people & the world around him. He is a voracious reader. I read some, where as, he'll have 3-4 books at a time - reabsorbing a book for a third read. FDR has a humble spirituality while he strives to do "ONLY God's will".

He is the kind of husband and father that graciously allows for our happiness and comfort over his own. FDR makes me feel alive with his desire to travel, his reading, and his intensity in discussing world views, as well as, a current Yankee game, which is one of his most favorite of favorites -- Baseball! Hmm... maybe a cigar with a good warm Guinness. But always with me, right dear? Just say "right dear". He is my best friend.

In this celebration of Pentecost, given to us by our Lord through the gift of the Holy Spirit, it is no wonder that through our marriage and in raising the children, that I (we) feel so alive! Capable only because of His love giving us life...

"For where two or three are gathered in my name, there am I in the midst of them" (Mt. 8:20).

"The Church into one body, the Body of Christ animated by the Holy Spirit. In the Holy Spirit, the apostles are united, but not confused, for each keeps his own identity and diversity. They are the image of God, Trinity-Unity, the three persons always united but never confused. In the same way the apostles are united, but they are all different. The miracle of tongues received personally by each apostle, each speaking a different language, is the miracle of perfect unity in variety. It is like an orchestra playing a symphony: the most diverse instruments are attuned to produce a single sound." (The Incarnate God - The Feasts of Jesus Christ & the Virgin Mary, Vol.II/SVS Press).

As St. Seraphim of Sarov said "The goal of the Christian life is the acquisition of the Holy Spirit"

I observe this very entity within my husband. Yet, audacious but permissible since the day of Pentecost. I am thankful that my husband, this adored father, abides in the guiding of the Holy Spirit to Lead our Family.

A Blessed Happy Father's Day to all the Dads out there.

Blessed Pentecost!

"...O Lover of man, glory to you!"

Problem or Solution?...that is the question

I need to admit something; a public confession to a delusional picture...

The truth:

we have too much JUNK! Too much accumulated throughout our 14 years together, having 4 children added to the piles, in addition to owning a large house to contain all the craziness.

When you enter the everyday living quarters you don't see this wasteland of rubbish but find a very organized spit-spot home. Secretly, I hide my "got-it-all togetherness" into the depths of the basement including the "we-can't-park-in-it -garage-because-it's chuck-full-of-nonsense!" Therefore, years later I am surrounded by an enormous task--Mission Impossible!

Hubby heartily uses a particular quote and I think that it needs to be engraved onto his tombstone, one day: "You're either part of the problem or part of the solution" Hmm, ironically, he owns 3/4 of the rubbish. But, upon marriage, in a sense, I agreed to this...heh hem...his madness. Okay! I won't blame here and no more excuses, either -- that would be a problem.

We are given a chance to undo this madness and make some sense out of the senseless gathering, storing, and hoarding.

Solution:

We will, naturally, have a Yard Sale, as this sounds better than advertising a Junk Sale, starting this Saturday and each Saturday till we move or until the junk is forever removed from the garage and basement, which ever comes first.

Those that know FDR and me, realize that we are taking one-step-at-a-time to improve on environmental problems and initiate solutions. I've purchased the recycled grocery bags to use again and again. For several months, I've saved plastic bags to use on Yard Sale Day and will hand them out to each customer with a grateful smile; instructing them to "Please take a bag and fill it with anything you like -- all for $1.00" I am not concerned about making a profit, just more about getting things out of here. "Everything must go!"

That is one problem, one solution down. So, let's see...oh, forget it! my list is way too long to number.

Packing is gradual, as I (we) tackle each room, focusing on one room per week. Anyone ever use those "As seen on TV" space-saver vacuum bags? Just curious...looks like a dandy useful idea!

So, if you're in the neighborhood and have an extra dollar, Stop by! Did I mention the family/friend discount? Anything you want is yours for FREE!

Recipe: Sauteed Baby Artichokes

Here's a delicious recipe (that's if you like artichokes).

I simply love, love, love them! Did I mention that I love them? Hubby and I like to eat them prepared in a variety of ways but the following is our favorite way to enjoy these green beauties, not only for the savory taste but for the packed in nutrients they offer: lots of fiber, which is great for the liver, and loads of antioxidants; more than a glass of red wine. In my humble opinion, the wine and "choke" go exceptionally well together -- so go ahead and get a double dose!

How to prepare:

1) cut the stem off at base. Peel back and snap off petals until cone of yellow petls remains. 2) cut off top 1/3 of each artichoke. Drop into bowl of waterwith 2 TBSP lemon juice at each step to prevent browning. 3) Leave small babies whole. Halve or quarter medium or large babies. Drain well before cooking.

1 pkg of baby artichokes - approx. 12 (in the produce section)

1/2 cup olive oil

1 medium onion, chopped

3 gloves garlic, minced

1 Tbs lemon juice or balsamic vinegar (I prefer the BV)

1/2 tsp salt

dash of pepper

Prepare baby artichokes as directed. Drain well and pat dry. In large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil. Add onion, garlic and baby artichokes and cook stirring until artichokes are just tender, about 5 to 8 minutes. Sprinkle with lemon juice or vinegar, salt and pepper.

Toss with hot cooked pasta or eat alone topped with a sprinkle of shredded asiago cheese.

ENJOY!

The Orthodox Mom Travel Swap

Just joined up for this and hoping for some interesting returns. Should you like to know more, go to Orthodox Mom blog on my side panel.

Opening a can of worms

Well, we had the dreaded inspection on the house yesterday and to say the least, this inspector with the prospective buyers went through each room using a fine tooth comb. Did I mention that this was STRESSFUL! We received a rather long itemized list of the wrongful findings...OUCH!

FDR and I thought, 9 1/2 years ago, that purchasing an old home was wonderful and charming. Today, trying to iron out the wrinkles for closing day, I feel that "this old house" is a can of worms - dead ones!

The electrical system is a colossal mess! By the grace of God, no major explosions ever occurred. We are blessed to personally know an electrician that will address any of these pressing safety issues and met with him this evening. Thank God! As my realtor and dear friend said "just another hurdle to get you one step closer to St. Vladimir's...we can make it"

All in all, the buyers seem to be handling this with great ease. They are a beautiful Christian couple who want this big house to raise foster children. FDR mentioned, when we put the house on the market, that all we needed was one good family...by the grace of God, that is what we received.

Then, why can I not remain in God's peace? Everything, up to this point, has worked out...yet, I am worrying, short with the children and can't stay on track with their studies. There is much too much to do and the clock is ticking...

Brooding this all through, I am reminded that I, personally, have a rather large list -- of sins, that is. And whenever I prepare for confession it is like opening a can of worms. But there is hope in Jesus Christ our Lord and with Him, through Him, my soul is learning to forgive while yielding to His perfect will -- one step at a time.

"We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed. We always carry around in our body the death of Jesus, so that the life of Jesus may also be revealed in our body." 2 Cor. 4:8-10

As we come to a close in singing "Christ is Risen..." may we hold onto the joy of His Resurrection and continue to learn how to die to ourselves through Christ our Lord.

Pray for me, a sinner...

Everything is changing...

Indeed, a chuckle comes forth upon reading the title of my newfangled blog, of which was encouraged (or was that in jest, boys?), by two very dear friends, who had intrigued me to start a blog and title it "Everything down the chute!" Because whenever they are over, which is often, KJB and TJM hear me constantly tell my four lovely children to "throw everything down the chute". Each time, laughter arises and I am the brunt of their on-going teasing. You see, I am, somewhat, of a perfectionist, or so it seems, and I like to see "everything" in it's place or not seen at all.

Hence, this ritual has been going on for over 9 years, being one of the first accomplishments with each child we had. "Oh look, honey! Colin threw everything down the chute". I have had many surprises: half eaten apples, banana peels, my wallet, cellphone, dirty diapers, etc... The children are amused by this old invention and have many games with the one from upstairs to the middle floor to the basement and tend to hold meetings doing such shenanigans.

Why now, write about this? You see, we are leaving our beloved house and attending St. Vladimir's Theological Seminary this fall. There is no laundry chute, in fact, we are squeezing into a 2 bedroom apartment!

Therefore, I am placing "everything down the chute"...our life into God's hands. Most of our material possessions are going to the "land of garage sale", storage, or to friends. I am cleaning, purging, simplifying and it is well with my soul...satisfying and freeing!

Please be patient with me, as this is my first attempt at blogging, and bare with me as I ramble about raising 4 homeschooled children, be(coming)ing a clergy wife, and living at St. Vladimir's.

I gratefully accept your input along the way...for "no man is an island" remembering that "we are the Body of Christ"

Sadly, I am going to miss my laundry chute...

I fancy that I'll also miss the teasing from my dearest of friends.