User Error!

Fwap! (smacks forehead) Wrong setting.

Comments are enable for anyone wishing to leave a message.

Thanks, Annie!

Flannery O'Connor ... Politically Correct?

At the recommendation of several people, I picked up a copy of short stories by Flannery O'Connor. Ms. O'Connor was a southern writer, a Catholic, writing mainly in the 1950's. Her stories are disturbing, fascinating and unpredictable. She writes of a culture she knows, giving readers a caricature of the south at that time with its distinctly racist views, liberally sprinkling her stories with the dreaded "N" word.

As our country moves further and further into the political correctness morass, I find myself wondering if the stories of Ms. O'Connor may one day wind up on a list of banned books compiled by the PC police.

Tis the Gift to Be Simple

"But God forbid that I should boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ ..." Galatians 6:14

So, how does one "boast in the cross?"

St. Paul is speaking in this passage of those who would boast of having been circumcised in their flesh, of keeping the Mosaic law in attempt to be righteous, which he states, "profits nothing." Much could be [and has been] written on this very important topic, but not by me. I'll leave that to the theologians; they do a better job.

I have an Orthodox Study Bible that I most often use for devotions. It includes copious footnotes written from an Orthodox theological understanding, based on the writings of the early church fathers.

Here is the OSB footnote for that text:

Throughout the history of the Church, Christians have preached the Cross, displayed the Cross in their homes and altars, venerated the Cross in the liturgy and signed themselves with the Cross in worship of the Holy Trinity and during times of fear or temptation.

I am struck by the simplicity ... by the fact that Orthodoxy puts "feet" to and makes tangible this idea of boasting in the cross. After years of wrestling the deeper meaning of every jot and tittle, I am drawn to this simplicity, this simple act of just doing.

Tis the gift to be simple.

The Rotted Fruit of Anger

"Anger is a strong fire, consuming all things in its path; it wastes the body and corrupts the soul, and renders a man base and odious to lookupon. And if it were possible for the angry man to see himself at the time of his anger, he would not need any other admonition, for there is nothing less pleasing than an angry countenance. Anger is an intoxicant and more wretched than a demon."

St. John Chrysostom

Counting Down

Five more days till my "Life Confession;" six to Chrismation. I'm beginning to feel excited, truly looking forward to this enormous step ... more like a leap into the unknown.

An unknown leap because I am the only one in my family who is taking this step. (I do have my hubby's blessing!) My husband, my children, extended family, long-time friends, etc. are content with the Protestant Church. Outside of my husband and possibly two of our sons-in-law, I don't think any of these people have given much thought to the issues that confront Protestanism. Not out of ignorance, mind you. I understand their busy lives, the connections with long-standing friends and family in their respective churches. For the most part, they are content, or content to church-shop in the name of "freedom."

For me, the major issues would not go away, could not be resolved without embracing Orthodoxy. Issues such as historical and ecclesiastical authority, sacraments, (especially communion and confession,) the liturgy with its emphasis on prayer, an unbroken apostolic succession, conciliar government. And, of course, the feast that delights our senses through the beauty of the icons, candles, incense and music.

It would seem that we who choose conversion are blessed/cursed with an inquisitive mind that somehow, (and I'm quite sure it is by God's Sovereign Grace) is sparked by the theological inconsistencies we've encountered. Like a child that asks, "why?" and is only given the answer, "because," we quietly go off on our own to find out why. Sometimes what we find rocks our world in the most unexpected and blessed ways!

Blogrolled! Woo Hoo!

I've been added to the very impressive blogroll of Karl Thienes! My first one; I'm so excited! Let me tell you why this particular person's addition is particularly meaningful.

I first started enquiring into Eastern Orthodoxy in 2003. I was mainly using Orthodox websites aimed at potential converts to gather information, and of course, books that had been recommended. Somehow, while googling info, an Orthodox convert's blog came up. I don't remember his name and I don't think he's blogging any longer, but he had a link to Karl's blog. Besides the wonderful and thoughtful posts Karl has written (check the archives,) his blogroll opened up my little world. I found so many interesting people with journeys that were not so different than my own. I never posted much; I didn't have much to say and was just absorbing knowledge like a sponge.

Now, just about three years' later, I will be entering the Church. Many of the bloggers linked on Karl's page have helped to make this step possible. I wonder if they ever consider the effect their words might have? I'm grateful.

Karl, if you're out there, thank you!

Anticipation

When I set out to begin this blog, I planned on posting about the changes in my life, but world events detoured me and my blogging took a brief political turn. I had not anticipated the effect these events would have. Anyway, back to our regularly scheduled program ...

In eight days, I will make my "life" confession before the icon of Christ and His Mother; in nine days, I will be chrismated into the Church and receive Holy Communion for the first time.

Of course, I have communed many times in the past, but this will be different. I am anticipating a completeness previously not experienced.

The life confession, though, that's a real bugaboo for me. I'm somewhat ambivalent regarding formal confession; I see in it beauty and the ability to be a true spiritual aid in our salvation, but it is intimidating, also. I've lived for half a century! That's a lot of sin to accumulate, by anyone's standards. Now having been a good Protestant, I believe that my sin has been atoned for through the blood of Christ and that this formal life confession is just a necessary step to bring me into the Church. But there are issues in my life that, despite having been confessed to God, that still cause uneasiness and guilt within. And so, I am anticipating that these areas will be exposed and washed in a more thorough way through confession and absolution.

Anticipation ... I hope I am not disappointed.

Lord, have mercy!

Letter to Pat Robertson

Dear Pat,

It would seem that you were right and we were wrong. http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/09/20/AR2006092000893.html

Sincerely,
The American Public

A New Kind of 'John the Baptist?'

The media has reported selected bits and pieces of President Ahmadinejad's speech given at the United Nations yesterday, missing the full import of his words. Read the entire text for yourself, but be aware that to really understand this man, you must first consider what he believes about Islam ruling the world.

"I emphatically declare that today's world, more than ever before, longs for just and righteous people with love for all humanity; and above all longs for the perfect righteous human being and the real savior who has been promised to all peoples and who will establish justice, peace and brotherhood on the planet."

Make no mistake: he is not speaking of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, whom which the Christian world is awaiting, but the twelfth Imam.

http://www.ashbrook.org/publicat/guest/05/vonheyking/twelfthimam.html

For those who ascribe to the eschatological theory that the Antichrist will arise out of the Middle East and kindle the fires of Armageddon, Ahmadinejad may just be his 'John the Baptist', preparing the way.

Lord, have mercy!

http://www.globalsecurity.org/wmd/library/news/iran/2006/iran-060920-irna02.htm

Can You Guess?

This is my sweetie. Can you guess her lineage? She's not very big, about 32 pounds, with an underbite, a tail that curls up, and a very friendly, but very independent dispostion!

Would You?

After reading about what the Fox News journalist and cameraman kidnapped in Gaza endured, my man asked me the $1m question: "If you were forced at gunpoint to renounce Christ, would you?"

Well, would you?

I wish I could quickly answer, "Never," but I can't. Nor can I judge the two men who found themselves in that position. I believe that anyone who calls themselves "Christian" would like to believe he would certainly never deny his faith, but I also believe it is impossible to know how you would react until actually in that situation. There is a psychological factor that can't be imagined in its reality; terror can numb, paralyze.

Yet, we have the martyrs of the Church who by their death, show us the opposite side of this coin. Yesterday we commemorated the martyrdom of St. Sophia and her daughters, Faith, Hope, and Love. Sophia had to watch as her young daughters were killed for not denying Christ. She encouraged them to stand strong, even to their death! That kind of courage astounds me. I wonder, could I do that if it were my children ... would I have the fortitude?

"But when they arrest you and deliver you up, do not worry before hand or premeditate what you will speak. But whatever is given you in that hour, speak that; for it is not you who speak, but the Holy Spirit." Mark 13:11

Would I hear the still, small voice of the Holy Spirit, would I trust Him?

Would you?

Evil and Inhuman? You Be the Judge

Last Tuesday, in a speech at Regensburg University in Germany, Pope Benedict addressed the issue of Islamic holy war, jihad, noting that it was "against God's nature." He quoted a 14th-century Byzantine Emperor, Manuel II Paleologos:

"Show me just what Muhammad brought that was new, and there you will find things only evil and inhuman , such as his command to spread by the sword the faith he preached."

The reactionary violence has now exploded: churches attacked, Benedict daily burnt in effigy, his execution called for, a Catholic nun shot and killed. Could it be that any of these [re]actions could be considered "evil and inhuman?" Hmmm...

I do not believe those that practice Islamic extremism, calling for jihad, are the majority of Muslims; there is a peaceful element that I'm sure would want only to live and let live. But it would seem the jihadists are gaining steam around the world and will stop at nothing but the total destruction of all that is not Islamic. That includes us.

Lord Jesus, have mercy!

Trail Tidbits

Met a couple on the trail this weekend who were doing the entire trail from Maine to Georgia. They began the trek on July 1 and hope to complete it by Christmas. In our chatting, a question came up: what about shoes? They told me they were already on their third pair, had a new pair waiting (mail order) at the next hotel they would be stopping at, and would probably go through seven or eight pairs altogether. Geesh! My little piggies hurt just thinking about it!

Appalachian Ambiance

I have the privilege and great happiness of living near the Appalachian Trail. It winds up and down mountains, through forests, across meadows, and it is lovely. Trees of oak, spruce, walnut, tulip; shrubbery, flowers, berries and wildlife abound. Each season is spectacular and a joy to behold as I trek through the beauty!

Tonight, I walk my dog through the neighborhood. A pale golden moon is rising in the indigo sky, illuminating the silhouette of the mountain. And it is lovely.

Last evening, we walked upon the trail for several miles. As we approached the top of the mountain, I could see the mists just touching the tops of trees. Deeper into the forest, the mists eerily enshrouded us as we walked. And it was lovely.

I never fail to recognize the hand of God in all this beauty. It is He who has designed each leaf, called forth each layer of mist, made the moon to rise at the appointed time. And I give thanks for all this beauty; for the ability to enter into and revel in it.

This is Appalachian ambiance.

Ode to Winter

I don't remember inviting you;
but you came anyway.
We made room for you;
dressed for your company.
Gee, I hope you leave soon.

Just Another Blogger

Who, you may ask, am I? Am I just another blogger with nothing much to say, spilling words out into the information highway? Probably.

I'm a ...

• wife
• mom
• administrator
• sister
• daughter
• friend
• former Protestant on the brink of conversion to the Eastern Orthodox Church

Aha! Another one of THOSE! Yep, someone who has studied the ancient faith for several years and is making the move; "crossing the Bosphorus," as some have termed it. It's been an interesting journey; one that I'm not really sure of how it will end. I still have some doubts as to whether a fifty-something Prot can acquire an Orthodox mind-set. It's hard work and filled with many hurdles. I no sooner get over one, and up pops another! And I get weary and wonder if it's really worth it. But then I remember the circus I resigned from and think, yeah, it IS worth it.