Hawaii 2014
A handful of sand, thrown into the sea, is what sinning is, when compared to God’s providence and mercy. Just as an abundant source of water is not impeded by a handful of dust, so also the Creator’s mercy is not defeated by the sins of His creations. ~ St. Isaac the Syrian
When to the flowers so beautiful the Father gave a name,
Back came a little blue-eyed one (All timidly it came);
And standing at its Father’s feet and gazing in His face,
It said, in low and trembling tone and with a modest grace,
“Dear God, the name Thou gavest me, Alas I have forgot!”
Kindly the Father looked him down and said:
“Forget-me-not.”
By Emily Bruce Roelofson; born in 1832, Cincinnati
The Old Bridge was constructed on top of long tree trunk. Point No Point, BC Canada
The only way to attain an important goal – is by doing.
When recovering from an injury, the physiotherapist suggested taking a local gym membership, and continue daily strengthening exercises on my own. I did, and initially all gung-ho, it was shocking to soon discover the grueling exercises in themselves weren’t the arduous part … The hardest part for me, was actually getting to the gym. Going to the gym became a battle. Every. Single. Time. Bizarrely, once at the gym, all was fine. But, to do it- I just had to go.
I’ve heard from parents, that the hardest part of going to church with babies, youth, or teens, is just getting there. Once they’re there, all is fine. But, to do it- they just had to come.
Time is shorter than we think, and we can’t afford to put off essential intentions by waiting for perfect conditions to start. Tomorrow never comes. There is only today.
To reach a goal, the name of the bridge we cross over is- Start Doing.
True, one may know man’s final goal: communion with God. And one may describe the path to it: faith, and walking in the commandments, with the aid of divine grace. One need only say in addition: here is the path- start walking! ~St. Theophan the Recluse
Hawaiian River 2018
Whoever believes in me, as the Scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ ~ John 7:38
We see the water of a river flowing uninterruptedly and passing away, and all that floats on its surface, rubbish or beams of trees, all pass by. Christian! So does our life… I was an infant, and that time has gone. I was an adolescent, and that too has passed. I was a young man, and that too is far behind me. The strong and mature man that I was is no more. My hair turns white, I succumb to age, but that too passes; I approach the end and will go the way of all flesh. I was born in order to die. I die that I may live. Remember me, O Lord, in Thy Kingdom! ~St. Tikhon of Voronezh
God descends to the humble as waters flow down from the hills into the valleys. ~ St. Tikhon of Voronezh
As a fish cannot swim without water, and as a bird cannot fly without air, so a Christian cannot advance a single step without Christ. ~ St. Gregory of Nazianzus
Mosaic Seraphim – St. Sophia Orthodox Church, Canada
Do not be surprised that you fall every day; do not give up, but stand your ground courageously. And assuredly, the angel who guards you will honour your patience.
~ St. John of the Ladder
Hawaiian Sunrise 2018
Hawaiian Beach Wedding – Hanalei, 2012
During a sunset walk on the beach, we happened upon a couple having wedding photos taken.
We snapped a quick picture, and offered a silent prayer for God to bless them in their life ahead.
The spontaneous kiss and obliviousness to everyone and everything (including the incoming tide splashing up to their knees), completed the romantic scene perfectly.
Of course, marriage is not just romance.
The Crowning at an Orthodox Christian wedding, symbolizes the glory and honour bestowed by God upon the couple during this sacrament… and that Christ establishes them as King and Queen of their home, which they are to rule with Wisdom, justice, and integrity.
The crowns are also referred to as Crowns of Martyrdom.
My godmother related a wedding story with newlyweds asking WHY on earth would there be a need to call these Martyr’s Crowns?
My godmother just said, “You’ll find out.”
Whenever I come across this photo, I can’t help but wonder how the beach couple are doing now.
May God help and bless them, wherever they are… in life’s journey.
Hawaiian Daybreak, 2012
We should be spectators every day of the wonders of God. ~Mother Gavrilia
All true beauty has the power to draw the soul towards thee, and to make it sing in ecstasy: Alleluia! ~ Kontakion 7, Akathist of Thanksgiving Glory to God for All Things
Blessed be the name of the Lord from henceforth, and forevermore! ~ Psalm 113:2
Happy Sunday!
Our soul is a Divine Breath. Our body is His Creation. In the whole of us we are the icon of God. ~ Gerontissa Gavrielia
Hawaiian Rainbow 2012
An excerpt from an ethereal hymn by the brilliant female Byzantine hymnographer, Saint Kassiani.
