observing

Often, I struggle in searching for precise words describing the many impressionable emotions swirling inside my mind, heart and soul. Here, are my wanna-be-amateur- photo-taking-skills; hopefully capturing the essence of holy observations. There is a wealth of incredible beauty that surrounds us...especially that of The Church. There is a natural-growing, transfigured, yet not suppressed, beauty while observing my children's child-like readiness as all their senses awaken when they "come and see that the Lord is good".

Praying that all had a blessed Feast in celebrating The Annunciation of the Most -Holy Theotokos. Hopefully, this respite from the Great Fast was nourishment to weary souls in continuing the good and Holy Fight...Blessed Lent!

introducing the Talented MK!

Mark Kate's video debut, with a little help from her dear friend "Miss Katie". Enjoy!

I've watched this over and over as it keeps a huge smile on my face!

We're the Lucky ones!

"Let us Begin with Joy"

Let us enter the Fast with joy, O faithful.
Let us not be sad.
Let us cleanse our faces with the waters of dispassion,
blessing and exalting Christ forever.

Let us begin the Fast with joy.
Let us give ourselves to spiritual efforts.
Let us cleanse our souls.
Let us cleanse our flesh.
Let us fast from passions as we fast from foods,
taking pleasure in the good works of the Spirit
and accomplishing them in love
that we may be made worthy to see the passion of
Christ our God
and His Holy Pascha,
rejoicing with spiritual joy.
(First Friday Matins)

Forgive me a sinner...

By your prayers for the next 40 days, my wavering attentions make room for Great Lent.

I'll do all this by falling, getting up and falling to get up again and again.

May the mirror of my sins be ever before me. May I keep forgiving...

In all my ways, may I acknowledge Him, who is Christ the Lord.

May I learn that Great Lent is more than the abstaining of food but rather that which ought not come into my thoughts nor dare reach my wretched tongue.

In fervent prayers, my I abstain from the flesh of the world as God directs my path where I struggle to trust in Him, the Bread of Life!

May I endure to fight the good fight while praying, through the intercessions of the Most Holy Theotokos and all the Saints, for His strength in attaining True Love, till the end of my days.

May I learn to quiet my mind - placing Truth into my heart - to make room for He who cannot be contained!

God forgives a sinner, as must I, a sinner, forgive...

Blessed Lent!