Mysteries of the Jesus Prayer - Teaser Trailer

For only $4.99, you can now download The Mysteries of the Jesus Prayer on iTunes!

I cannot wait to see this!

h.t. Mat. Emily

Lent draws nigh...

By the waters of Babylon we sat down and wept, when we remembered Zion. Alleluia.
We hanged our harps upon the willows in the midst thereof. Alleluia.
For there they that had taken us captive required of us a song;
and they that had carried us away required of us a hymn, saying, Sing us one of the songs of Zion. Alleluia.
How shall we sing the Lord’s song in a strange land? Alleluia.
If I forget thee, O Jerusalem, let my right hand be forgotten. Alleluia.
If I do not remember thee, let my tongue cleave to the roof of my mouth; if I prefer not Jerusalem as my chief joy. Alleluia.
Remember, O Lord, the children of Edom in the day of Jerusalem;
who said, Down with it, down with it, even to the foundation thereof. Alleluia.
O wretched daughter of Babylon, happy shall he be that shall reward thee as thou hast served us. Alleluia.
Happy shall he be, that shall take and dash thy little ones against the rock. Alleluia.


In Orthodox tradition, the fathers interpret the last verse as a reference to the “little thoughts – the logismoi” and dashing them against the Rock, who is Christ. Thus we rise early in the day and dash our wayward thoughts against the Rock of Christ who frees us from their tyranny. Alleluia. ~Fr. Stephen Freeman

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

You see how her toes are curled?

I love that joy.

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.


{this moment, inspired by soulemama}

Flexibility

Do you ever watch your children and wonder how they are able to physically do the things they do? You know, like the baby squat. Where little ones can squat and play for a really long time with their bums about an inch from the floor.

Zoe likes to watch the world from the top of her head, but this one is always in a pretzel-like state. I've seen her reading in awkward looking positions and even watch movies like this.

I took this picture today and then I had the thought of how our interior life is much like our exterior. When children are young they are so quick to forgive and forget wrongs committed against them. When you teach a child something they remember it so easily, they take it to heart and believe it to be true. They build their lives on those truths and yet they remain limber and always ready for new teachings. But as we get older and our bodies get stiffer, as do our minds and our hearts. We hold on to disagreements. We remember wrongs committed against us. It's painful to stretch...and humble ourselves to one another.

Oh that I could be so flexible in my body as my girls! I'm sure I could find it again. Lots of people do.

But I would really love to be that flexible and willing to bend in my spirit.

{this moment}

{this moment} - A Friday ritual. A single photo - no words - capturing a moment from the week. A simple, special, extraordinary moment. A moment I want to pause, savor and remember.

If you're inspired to do the same, leave a link to your 'moment' in the comments for all to find and see.


{this moment, inspired by soulemama}

Homeschooling

However challenging it may be at times, I wouldn't have it any other way.

New home

Well we are working away on our new/old home. We are getting closer, but closer is coming slowly.

I've had several ask about where we are with the renovations. I'm not going to post pictures, but I'll tell you that we have to finish the kitchen, finish painting some of the rooms and sand the floors. We will then be done. Well, you know, done enough to move in. I'm sure the trim will be off for a few years. lol!

Anyhow, this is what the girls do when we go "work". Katherine quickly starts a fire. Yes, Fr. taught her how to start a fire, with him watching. She then gets her books and stays in front of the fireplace. She is quick to help if we need her, but otherwise she finds her perch in front of the fire.

The other two do whatever strikes their fancy. They run around outside, color and occasionally help.

The fireplace has been so nice to have there. It warms the place quite nicely and just adds a homey feel.

I am excited to be getting near the end. It must have been God's will to buy this house (yes I've had my doubts). Even after all we've been through and all the time and money it's taken to do the job, I still love and and have peace about buying the house. Thankfully.

A little slice of sunshine

It's beautiful here now. The snow is gently falling outside. It's a bit overcast with the sun peeping through now and again.

We don't get much of this weather down this way, so the girls are loving it. Just last week it was in the mid 70's.

We're staying in for the most part. Reading, crocheting, cooking...

Hope your staying warm, wherever you live.

I'll leave you with a picture of our own little slice of sunshine. This one must dress herself, which is both good...and challenging. I'm sure you understand.