27/01/2010

pennies



You always hear the usual stories of pennies on the sidewalk being good luck, gifts from angels, etc. This is the first time I've ever heard this twist on the story. Gives you something to think about...
Several years ago, a friend of mine and her husband were invited to spend the weekend at the husband's employer's home. My friend, Arlene, was nervous about the weekend.. The boss was very wealthy, with a fine home on the waterway, and cars costing more than her house.
The first day and evening went well, and Arlene was delighted to have this rare glimpse into how the very wealthy live. The husband's employer was quite generous as a host, and took them to the finest restaurants. Arlene knew she would never have the opportunity to indulge in this kind of extravagance again so was enjoying herself immensely.
As the three of them were about to enter an exclusive restaurant that evening, the boss was walking slightly ahead of Arlene and her husband.
He stopped suddenly, looking down on the pavement for a long, silent moment.
Arlene wondered if she was supposed to pass him. There was nothing on the ground except a single darkened penny that someone had dropped, and a few cigarette butts
Still silent, the man reached down and picked up the penny.
He held it up and smiled, then put it in his pocket as if he had found a great treasure. How absurd! What need did this man have for a single penny? Why would he even take the time to stop and pick it up?
Throughout dinner, the entire scene nagged at her. Finally, she could stand it no longer. She casually mentioned that her daughter once had a coin collection, and asked if the penny he had found had been of some value.
A smile crept across the man's face as he reached into his pocket for the penny and held it out for her to see. She had seen many pennies before! What was the point of this?
'Look at it.' He said. 'Read what it says.' She read the words ' United States of America’
'No, not that; read further.'
'One cent?'
'No, keep reading.'
'In God we Trust?' 'Yes!'
'And?'
'And if I trust in God, the name of God is holy, even on a coin.. Whenever I find a coin I see that inscription. It is written on every single United States coin, but we never seem to notice it! God drops a message right in front of me telling me to trust Him? Who am I to pass it by? When I see a coin, I pray, I stop to see if my trust IS in God at that moment. I pick the coin up as a response to God; that I do trust in Him..
For a short time, at least, I cherish it as if it were gold. I think it is God's way of starting a conversation with me. Lucky for me , God is patient and pennies are plentiful!
When I was out shopping today, I found a penny on the sidewalk. I stopped and picked it up, and realized that I had been worrying and fretting in my mind about things I cannot change.
I read the words, 'In God We Trust,' and had to laugh. Yes, God, I get the message.
It seems that I have been finding an inordinate number of pennies in the last few months, but then, pennies are plentiful!
And, God is patient..
The best mathematical equation I have ever seen:
1 cross + 3 nails = 4 given
That's the whole gospel message simply stated.
Take 60 seconds give this a shot! Let's just see if Satan stops this one.
All you do is –
1. Simply say a small prayer for the person who sent you this, (Father God bless this person in whatever it is that you know he or she may be needing this day.)
2. Then send it on to five other people. Within hours five people have prayed for you, and you caused a multitude of people to pray to God for other people ....
Thought for the Day:
If God had a refrigerator, your picture would be on it.
If He had a wallet, your photo would be in it.
He sends you flowers every spring.
He sends you a sunrise every morning Face it, friend - He is crazy about you!
Send this to every 'beautiful person' you wish to bless.
God didn't promise days without pain, laughter without sorrow, sun without rain, but He did promise strength for the day, comfort for the tears, and light for the way.
Read this line very slowly and let it sink in...
If God brings you to it, He will bring you through it.

22/01/2010

ONION



In 1919 when the flu killed 40 million people there was this Doctor that
visited the many farmers to see if he could help them combat the flu.
Many of the farmers and their family had contracted it and many died.
The doctor came upon this one farmer and to his surprise, everyone was very
healthy. When the doctor asked what the farmer was doing that was
different the wife replied that she had placed an unpeeled onion in a dish
in the rooms of the home, (probably only two rooms back then). The doctor
couldn't believe it and asked if he could have one of the onions and place
it under the microscope. She gave him one and when he did this, he did
find the flu virus in the onion. It obviously absorbed the bacteria,
therefore, keeping the family healthy.
Now, I heard this story from my hairdresser in AZ. She said that several
years ago many of her employees were coming down with the flu and so were
many of her customers. The next year she placed several bowls with onions
around in her shop. To her surprise, none of her staff got sick. It must
work.. (And no, she is not in the onion business.)
The moral of the story is, buy some onions and place them in bowls around
your home. If you work at a desk, place one or two in your office or under
your desk or even on top somewhere. Try it and see what happens. We did
it last year and we never got the flu.
If this helps you and your loved ones from getting sick, all the better. If
you do get the flu, it just might be a mild case..
Whatever, what have you to lose? Just a few bucks on onions!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Now there is a P. S. to this for I sent it to a friend in Oregon who
regularly contributes material to me on health issues. She replied with
this most interesting experience about onions:
Weldon,thanks for the reminder. I don't know about the farmers story...but,
I do know that I contacted pneumonia and needless to say I was very ill...I
came across an article that said to cut both ends off an onion put one end
on a fork and then place the forked end into an empty jar...placing the jar
next to the sick patient at night. It said the onion would be black in the
morning from the germs...sure enough it happened just like that...the onion
was a mess and I began to feel better.
Another thing I read in the article was that onions and garlic placed around
the room saved many from the black plague years ago. They have powerful
antibacterial, antiseptic properties.
This is the other note.
LEFT OVER ONIONS ARE POISONOUS
I have used an onion which has been left in the fridge, and sometimes I
don't use a whole one at one time, so save the other half for later.
Now with this info, I have changed my mind....will buy smaller onions in
the future.
I had the wonderful privilege of touring Mullins Food Products, Makers of
mayonnaise. Mullins is huge, and is owned by 11 brothers and sisters in
the Mullins family. My friend, Jeanne, is the CEO.
Questions about food poisoning came up, and I wanted to share what I
learned from a chemist.
The guy who gave us our tour is named Ed. He's one of the brothers Ed is a
chemistry expert and is involved in developing most of the sauce formula.
He's even developed sauce formula for McDonald's.
Keep in mind that Ed is a food chemistry whiz. During the tour, someone
asked if we really needed to worry about mayonnaise. People are always
worried that mayonnaise will spoil. Ed's answer will surprise you. Ed said
that all commercially- made Mayo is completely safe.
"It doesn't even have to be refrigerated. No harm in refrigerating it, but
it's not really necessary." He explained that the pH in mayonnaise is set
at a point that bacteria could not survive in that environment. He then
talked about the quaint essential picnic, with the bowl of potato salad
sitting on the table and how everyone blames the mayonnaise when someone
gets sick.
Ed says that when food poisoning is reported, the first thing the officials
look for is when the 'victim' last ate ONIONS and where those onions came
from (in the potato salad?). Ed says it's not the mayonnaise (as long as
it's not homemade Mayo) that spoils in the outdoors. It's probably the
onions, and if not the onions, it's the POTATOES.
He explained, onions are a huge magnet for bacteria, especially uncooked
onions. You should never plan to keep a portion of a sliced onion.. He says
it's not even safe if you put it in a zip-lock bag and put it in your
refrigerator.
It's already contaminated enough just by being cut open and out for a bit,
that it can be a danger to you (and doubly watch out for those onions you
put in your hotdogs at the baseball park!)
Ed says if you take the leftover onion and cook it like crazy you'll
probably be okay, but if you slice that leftover onion and put on your
sandwich, you're asking for trouble. Both the onions and the moist potato
in a potato salad, will attract and grow bacteria faster than any
commercial mayonnaise will even begin to break down.
So, how's that for news? Take it for what you will. I (the author) am going
to be very careful about my onions from now on. For some reason, I see a lot
of credibility coming from a chemist and a company that produces millions of
pounds of mayonnaise every year.'
Also, dogs should never eat onions. Their stomachs cannot metabolize onions
.Please remember it is dangerous to cut onions and try to use it to cook the
next day ,it becomes highly poisonous for even a single night and creates
Toxic bacteria which may cause Adverse Stomach infections because of excess
Bile secretions and even Food poisoning.

20/01/2010

DAILY SURVIVAL KIT


Today, I am giving you a
DAILY SURVIVAL KIT
to help you each day............
Toothpick ..... to remind you to pick the good qualities in everyone,including yourself...
Rubber band ... to remind you to be flexible. Things might not always go the way you want, but it can be worked out.
Band-Aid ... to remind you to heal hurt feelings, either yours or someone else's.
Eraser ... to remind you everyone makes mistakes. That's okay, we learn by our errors.
Candy Kiss ... to remind you everyone needs a hug or a compliment everyday.
Mint ... to remind you that you are worth a mint to your family & Me.
Bubble Gum ... to remind you to stick with it and you can accomplish anything.
Pencil ... to remind you to list your blessings every day.
Tea Bag ... to remind you to take time to relax daily and go over that list of God's blessings.
This is what makes life worth living every minute, every day
Wishing you love, gratitude, friends to cherish, caring, sharing, laughter, music, and warm feelings in your heart.
I know this kit will help you get through the day...
Enjoy.
God Bless.

04/01/2010

Blessing of the Waters


O Lord Jesus Christ, the only-begotten Son, who art in the bosom of the Father, true God, source of life and immortality, Light of Light, who camest into the world to enlighten it, shine upon our understanding with Thy Holy Spirit and accept us who offer unto Thee glory and thanksgiving for all Thy great and wondrous works from all ages, and for Thy saving dispensation in these last times. For Thou hast clothed Thyself in our poor and infirm nature, and hast submitted Thyself to servitude, Thou who art King of all; and moreover Thou hast accepted to be baptized in the Jordan by the hand of a servant, that having sanctified the nature of the waters, O sinless Lord, Thou mightest lead us to a new birth through water and Spirit, and restore us again to our original freedom. Keeping feast in remembrance of this divine mystery, we entreat Thee, O Master who lovest mankind: sprinkle upon us, Thine unworthy servants, according to Thy divine promise, cleansing water, the gift of Thy compassion; grant that the petition of us sinners over this water may be acceptable unto Thy goodness, and that thereby Thy blessing may be granted, to us and to all Thy faithful people unto the glory of Thy holy and venerated Name. For unto Thee, belong all glory, honour, and worship together with Thine eternal Father, and Thine all-holy, good, and life-giving Spirit, , now, and ever: world without end. Amen.
Then the priest says aloud the following prayer, composed by Sophronios, Patriarch of Jerusalem. On the Eve of the Feast the Priest shall not say all the Prayer, but shall begin from “Great art Thou O Lord...”
O Trinity supreme in being, in goodness, and in Godhead, almighty, who watchest over all, invisible, incomprehensible, Maker of spiritual beings and rational natures, innate Goodness, Light that none can approach and that lightens every man that comes into the world : Shine also upon me Thine unworthy servant. Enlighten the eyes of my understanding that I may make bold to sing the praises of Thy measureless beneficence and Thy might. May the prayer be acceptable that I offer for the people here present. Let not my faults hinder Thy Holy Spirit from coming to this place, but suffer me now uncondemned to cry to Thee, O most good Lord, and to say: We glorify Thee, O Master who lovest mankind, almighty, pre-eternal King. We glorify Thee, the Creator and Maker of all. We glorify Thee, O only-begotten Son of God, born without father from Thy Mother, and without mother from Thy Father. In the preceding feast we saw Thee as a child, while in the present we behold Thee full-grown, our God made manifest, perfect God from perfect God. For today, the time of the feast is at hand for us: the choir of saints assembles with us and angels join with men in keeping festival. Today the grace of the Holy Spirit in the form of a dove descended upon the waters. Today the Sun that never sets has risen and the world is filled with splendour by the light of the Lord. Today the moon shines upon the world with the brightness of its rays. Today the glittering stars make the inhabited earth fair with the radiance of their shining. Today the clouds drop down upon mankind the dew of righteousness from on high. Today the Uncreated of His own will accepts the laying on of hands from His own creature. Today the Prophet and Forerunner approaches the Master, but stands before Him with trembling, seeing the condescension of God towards us. Today the waters of the Jordan are transformed into healing by the coming of the Lord. Today the whole creation is watered by mystical streams. Today the transgressions of men are washed away by the waters of the Jordan. Today Paradise has been opened to men and the Sun of Righteousness shines down upon us. Today the bitter water, as once with Moses and the people of Israel, is changed to sweetness by the coming of the Lord. Today we have been released from our ancient lamentation, and as the new Israel, we have found salvation. Today we have been delivered from darkness and illuminated with the light of the knowledge of God. Today the blinding mist of the world is dispersed by the Epiphany of our God. Today the whole creation shines with light from on high. Today error is laid low and the coming of the Master has made for us a way of salvation. Today things above keep feast with things below, and things below commune with things above. Today the triumphant assembly of the Orthodox keeps this holy festival with great joy. Today the Master hastens towards baptism that He may lift man up to the heights. Today He that bows not, bows down to His own servant that He may set us free from bondage. Today we have purchased the Kingdom of Heaven: for the Lord’s Kingdom shall have no end. Today earth and sea share the joy of the world, and the world is filled with gladness. The waters saw Thee, O God, the waters saw Thee and were afraid. The Jordan turned back, seeing the fire of the Godhead descending bodily and entering its stream. The Jordan turned back, beholding the Holy Spirit coming down in the form of a dove and flying about Thee. The Jordan turned back, seeing the Invisible made visible, the Creator made flesh, the Master in the form of a servant. The Jordan turned back and the mountains skipped, looking upon God in the flesh; and the clouds gave voice, marvelling at Him who was come, the Light of Light, true God of true God. For today in the Jordan they saw the triumph of the Master; they saw Him drown in the Jordan the death of disobedience, the sting of error, and the chains of hell, and bestow upon the world the baptism of salvation. Therefore, sinner and unworthy servant though I am, I recount the majesty of Thy wonders and, seized with fear, in compunction I cry aloud to Thee:
The priest shall then say in a louder voice:
Great art Thou, O Lord, and marvelous are Thy works; no words suffice to sing the praise of Thy wonders. (3)
Each time the Priest says these words, the choir shall sing:
Glory to Thee, our God, glory to Thee.
The Priest continues the prayer
For Thou by Thine own will hast brought all things out of nothingness into being, by Thy power Thou dost hold together the creation, and by Thy providence Thou dost govern the world. Of four elements hast Thou compounded the creation: with four seasons hast Thou crowned the cycle of the year. All the spiritual powers tremble before Thee. The sun sings Thy praises; the moon glorifies Thee; the stars supplicate before Thee; the light obeys Thee; the deeps are afraid at Thy presence; the fountains are Thy servants. Thou hast stretched out the heavens like a curtain; Thou hast established the earth upon the waters; Thou hast poured forth the air that living things may breathe. The angelic powers minister to thee; the Choir of Archangels worship Thee; the many-eyed Cherubim and the six-winged Seraphim, standing round Thee and flying about Thee, hide their faces in fear of Thine unapproachable glory. For Thou, the indescribable God, without beginning and inexpressible, hast come upon earth, taking the form of a servant and being made in the likeness of man. For Thou, O Master, in Thy merciful compassion couldst not bear to see mankind beneath the tyranny of the devil, but Thou hast come and saved us. We confess Thy grace, we proclaim Thy mercy, we hide not Thy beneficence. Thou hast set free the offspring of our kind. Thou hast hallowed a Virgin womb by Thy Nativity. At Thine Epiphany the whole creation sang Thy praises. For Thou, our God, hast appeared on earth and dwelt among men, Thou hast sanctified the streams of Jordan, sending down from on high the Most Holy Spirit, and Thou hast broken the heads of the dragons hidden therein.
Therefore, O King who lovest mankind, do Thou Thyself be present now as then through the descent of Thy Holy Spirit, and sanctify this water. (3)
Each time the Priest says these words, the choir shall say Amen.
And confer upon it the grace of redemption, the blessing of the Jordan. Make it a source of incorruption, a gift of sanctification, a remission of sins, a protection against disease, a destruction to demons, inaccessible to the adverse powers and filled with angelic strength. That all who draw from it and partake of it may have it for the cleansing of their soul and body, for the healing of their passions, for the sanctification of their dwellings, and for every purpose that is expedient. For Thou art our God, who didst renew through water and Spirit our nature grown old through sin. Thou art our God, who didst drown sin through water in the days of Noah. Thou art our God who, through the waters of the sea, at Moses’ hand didst set free the Hebrew nation from the bondage of Pharaoh. Thou art our God who didst smite the rock in the wilderness: and the waters gushed out, and the streams overflowed, and Thou didst satisfy Thy thirsty people. Thou art our God who by water and fire through Elijah didst bring back Israel from the error of Baal.
Do Thou Thyself, O Master, now as then sanctify this water by Thy Holy Spirit [3]

02/01/2010

The Orthodox Christian Calendar ofJanuary 2010


Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of New Zealand
Holy Church of the Dormition of Virgin Mary, Christchurch
January 2010

1. F. Basil the Great, Archbishop of Caesarea in Cappadocia. Circumcision of Our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Gregory Bishop of Nanzianzos, Father of Gregory the Theologian.
Divine Liturgy 9:00 – 11:45 a.m.
2. S. Sylvester Pope of Rome, Cosmas, Archbishop of Constantinople
3. S. Sunday before Epiphany, Malachi the Prophet Gordios the Martyr of Caesarea.
Divine Liturgy 9:00 – 11:45 a.m.
4. M. Synaxis of the 70 Holy Apostles Theoctistos the Righteous of Sicily.
5. T. Eve of the Theophany of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ, Martyrs Theopemptos and Theonas Righteous Syncletiki of Alexandria.
Matins, Royal Hours, Vespers & Divine Liturgy of St Basil the Great,Holy Water 6:00 – 9:30 p.m.
6. W. The Theophany of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ Theophan the Recluse.
Divine Liturgy, Holy Water 9:00 – 11:45 a.m.
7. T. Synaxis of John the Holy Glorious Prophet, Baptist, & Forerunner.
Divine Liturgy 8:30 – 11:45 a.m.
8. F. George the Chozebite, Domnica the Righteous of Constantinople .
9. S. Polyeuctos the Martyr of Meletine in Armenia, Eustratios the Wonderworker.
10. S. Sunday after Epiphany, Gregory of Nyssa Dometian, Bishop of Melitene
Divine Liturgy 8:30 – 11:00 a.m. Holy Water, Blessings of the Water 11:30-11:45 in the Groynes Park
11. M. Righteous Theodosios the Cenobiarch Vitalis of Gaza.
12. T. Tatiana the Martyr of Rome ,Martyr Mertios.
13. W. Hermylos & Stratonikos the Martyrs at Belgrade. Maximos the Righteous of Kapsokalyvia, Mount Athos.
14. T. Leavetaking of the Theophany of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. The Holy Fathers slain at Sinai and Raitho. Agnes the Virgin-martyr.
Supplication9:00 – 11:45 a.m.
15. F. John the Cave Dweller Paul of Thebes Pansophios the Martyr of Alexandria
16. S. Veneration of Apostle Peter's Precious Chains Righteous Hierodeacon Makarios of Kalogeras.
17. S. 15th Sunday of Luke ,Anthony the Great Anthony the New of the Berropas Skete .
Divine Liturgy 9:00 – 11:45 a.m.
18. M. Athanasios & Cyril, Patriarchs of Alexandria . Zenia the Martyr .
19. T. Makarios the Great of Egypt. Mark, Bishop of Ephesus Arsenios, Metropolitan of Kerkyra.
20. W. Righteous Euthymios the Great Zacharias the New Martyr of Patra.
21. T. Maximos the Confessor Neophytos the Martyr of Nicaea.
Supplication9:00 – 11:45 a.m.
22. F. Timothy the Apostle of the 70. Anastasios, the Persian Righteous Monk-martyr
23. S. Clement the Hieromartyr & Bishop of Ancyra. Agathangelos the Martyr. Righteous Father Dionysius of Olympus.
24. S. Sunday of the Publican and Pharisee: Triodion Begins Today. Xenia, Deaconess of Rome Vavylas the Holy Martyr .
Divine Liturgy 9:00 – 11:45 a.m.
25. M. Gregory the Theologian, Archbishop of Constantinople.
26. T. Xenophon & his Companions. Symeon the Elder of Mount Sinai.
27. W. Removal of the Relics of John Chrysostom, Archbishop of Constantinople, Peter the Righteous of Egypt ,Demetrios the New Martyr of Constantinople.
Supplication9:00 – 11:45 a.m.
28. T. Ephraim the Syrian Isaac the Syrian, Bishop of Ninevah James the Righteous.
29. F. Removal of the Relics of Ignatios the God-bearer Laurence the Recluse of the Kiev Caves.
30. S. Synaxis of The Three Hierarchs: Basil the Great, Gregory the Theologian, & John Chrysostom Hippolytos, Pope of Rome, Athanasia the Martyr & her 3 daughters.
31. S. Sunday of Prodigal Son Cyrus & John the Unmercenaries ,Holy Women Martyrs Theodote, Theoktiste and Eudoxia.
Divine Liturgy 9:00 – 11:45 a.m.