Six months...

...from today, my beloved and I will be married.

True Audacity

Father Stephen, quoting St Isaac the Syrian:

Let yourself be persecuted, but do not persecute others.

Be crucified, but do not crucify others.

Be slandered, but do not slander others.

Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep: such is the sign of purity.

Suffer with the sick.

Be afflicted with sinners.

Exult with those who repent.

Be the friend of all, but in your spirit remain alone.

Let's fall in love...

Ella

Count on it

From the Prologue:

About God's omniscience and providence

"Even all the hairs of your headare counted" (St. Matthew 10:30).

Brethren, "the hairs of your head are counted" much less the days of your life! Do not be afraid, therefore, that you will die before your appointed time nor yet hope that you will somehow be able to extend your life for one day against the will of Him Who counts and measures. Let this knowledge teach you meekness and fear of God.

"The hairs of your head are counted" much less your sufferings on earth! Do not be afraid, therefore, that you will suffer more beyond measure. Fear even less that your sufferings will remain forgotten and unaccounted for by Him Who sees all. This knowledge will teach you patience and confidence toward your Creator and Provider.

"The hairs of your head are counted" much less your friends and enemies on earth! Do not be afraid, therefore, that you will have either too many friends or too many enemies. Neither be afraid that your enemies will overcome you nor be assured that your friends will defend you. Concern yourself only that you have God for a friend and do not be afraid of anything. Behold, He is your only friend Who loves you without change.

O Good Lord, Wise Provider Who knows the number, measure and time of all, banish from us every fear, except the fear of You. That through fear of You, we may arrive to the pure and holy love toward You, our Creator and Benefactor.

To You be glory and thanks always. Amen.

Nat King Cole

Three in a row for the love songs...but this from the "King".

Always

Another love song from Frank.

You're the One

Time for another love song!
The incomparable Frank Sinatra.

True Christian Love

True Christian love is not just a feeling or a pleasant disposition of the soul. It is a self-sacrificing, ceaseless, life-long act of heroism unto death. It is fiery yet dispassionate, not dependent on anything, not on being loved in return or having a kinship of blood.

 From Milk and Honey.

Groovy..

I don't know what it is that makes me love you so
I only know I never want to let you go
You started something
Oh can't you see
Ever since we met you've had a hold on me
It happens to be true
I only want to be with you

It doesn't matter where you go or what you do
I want to spend each moment of the day with you
Love has happened with just one kiss
I never knew that I could be in love like this
It's crazy but it's true
I only want to be with you

You stopped and smiled at me
Asked if I cared to dance
I fell into open arms
And I didn't stand a chance

Now listen honey
I just want to be beside you everywhere
As long as we're together honey I don't care
You started something
Oh can't you see
Ever since we met you've had a hold on me
No matter what you do
I only want to be with you

You stopped and smiled at me
Asked if I cared to dance
I fell into open arms
And I didn't stand a chance

Now hear it honey
I just want to be beside you everywhere
As long as we're together honey I don't care
You started something
Oh can't you see
Ever since we met you've had a hold on me
No matter what you do
I only want to be with you
Oh no matter, no matter what you do
I only want to be with you

Righteous Brothers, part 1

Classic.

Become holy

Elder Porphyrios:

You don’t become holy by fighting evil. Let evil be. 

Look towards Christ and that will save you. 

What makes a person saintly is love...

read the whole thing at Father Stephen's blog.

Why Love is like owning a dog...

Throwaway People

If your mom is still here, do take time to talk, reconcile, laugh...

by Robert Ringer

Monday, October 3, 2011

 

A couple of weeks ago, my wife and I had an appointment in Arlington, Virginia.  As we were walking toward our destination, we noticed a thin, elderly lady standing near the street corner.  She was exceptionally well-groomed, and dressed in a colorful, neatly pressed outfit.

Leaning on her cane, she was looking around in what appeared to be a confused manner.  We were concerned, because it was a very hot and humid day.  As we approached her, my wife asked if she needed any help.  She smiled sweetly and said that she was looking for her bank, but was not certain she was walking in the right direction.

The rest is here.

From Adrienne's Corner.

Ferocious Love

Via Ann Barnhardt:

 ...

Many times [love]  is ferocious, fearsome, awesome and terrible. Yes, terrible. As in causing one to tremble in reverence. That is why God is frequently described as "terrible" in scripture. Because He is. Pure love is terrible to behold. Angels are also terrible to behold on those rare occasions when they appear to people. That is because angels are fearsome, powerful, beautiful warriors who are able to stand in the full presence of God's love. This is also why the first thing out of their mouths to people are the words, "FEAR NOT". They are telling people not to be afraid because they are a fearsome, terrible sight. Love is a fearsome and terrible thing.