Happiness can only be achieved by looking inward and learning to enjoy whatever life has and this requires transforming greed into gratitude. ~ St. John Chrysostom
Why not learn to enjoy the little things – there are so many of them. ~ St. John Chrysostom
St. Basil the Great wall mosaic – St. Sophia Orthodox Church
Greetings on this second feast day which falls during Christmastide, celebrating the wonderful saint… St. Basil the Great!
Many bake the traditional cake in his honour!
Preserve gratitude like a precious deposit within your soul, and from it you will receive a double portion of delight. Remember the apostolic word, “Give thanks in all circumstances.” ~ St. Basil the Great
For if we all took only what was necessary to satisfy our own needs, giving the rest to those who lack, no one would be rich, no one would be poor, and no one would be in need. ~ St. Basil the Great
A tree is known by its fruit; a man by his deeds. A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love. ~ St. Basil the Great
A good deed is never lost; he who sows courtesy reaps friendship, and he who plants kindness gathers love. ~ St. Basil the Great
When you sit down to eat, pray. When you eat bread, do so thanking Him for being so generous to you. If you drink wine, be mindful of Him who has given it to you for your pleasure and as a relief in sickness. When you dress, thank Him for His kindness in providing you with clothes. When you look at the sky and the beauty of the stars, throw yourself at God’s feet and adore Him who in His wisdom has arranged things in this way. Similarly, when the sun goes down and when it rises, when you are asleep or awake, give thanks to God, who created and arranged all things for your benefit, to have you know, love and praise their Creator. ~ St. Basil the Great
Human life is but of brief duration. ‘All flesh is grass, and all the goodliness thereof is as the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades; but the word of our God shall stand forever’ (Isa. 40:6). Let us hold fast to the commandment that abides, and despise the unreality that passes away. ~ St. Basil the Great
Only by putting aside our ego, self-importance and conceit; can we be truly thankful and praise God wholeheartedly.
Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.~ James 1:17
Wholehearted gratitude helps our spirits flourish, and it behooves (such a delightful word!) us to do good things with the good gifts we are given!
It’s a Christian privilege and duty to be generous and kind to others. Even if all we have for someone is a smile… besides prayer, it could well be the most important gift to someone at that particular moment. It can lift their soul up.
A smile says I care about you. It says I see you, I respect you, I see our Lord in you.
When we have sincere compassion for others, God notices and surprises us with many blessings, sometimes more than what we deserve.
…It is more blessed to give than to receive. ~ Acts 20:35
A beautiful 19th century hymn – Give Good Gifts comes to mind. Our youth choir has sung this “anytime” song throughout the year at different events.
Give good gifts, one to another,
Peace, joy and comfort, gladly bestow,
Harbour no ill ‘gainst sister or brother,
Smooth life’s journey as you onward go!
(Repeat)
♥
Broad as the sunshine, free as the showers,
So shed an influence, blessing to prove;
Give for the noblest of efforts your pow’rs;
Blest and be blest is the law of love.
(Repeat)
With love and gratitude, to all mothers, grandmothers, “mothers/grandmothers-in-law”, godmothers and matushki!
For those still with us, and for those who have crossed the Jordan…
O sing unto the Lord a new song: sing unto the Lord, all the earth. ~ Psalm 96:1
What a brilliant idea! Christmas Lights are being put up again outside people’s homes. Countless numbers of people are doing this.
The lights reflect a visible tribute of gratitude to our courageous community champions, who work the dangerous frontlines during this epic time. Valentine shaped heart cutouts appearing on homemade front yard billboards, windows, mailboxes and telephone poles, collectively honour them too.
At 7 pm each night in Canada and around the world, people in neighbourhoods everywhere stand on their front porches to give a two minute standing ovation for the essential services workers. Whether by clapping our hands, banging pots and pans, ringing bells, or cheering… we proclaim a united, appreciative THANK YOU for selfless dedication.
It gives goosebumps and an uncustomary lump in one’s throat hearing this resonate simultaneously throughout neighbourhoods and cities.
It’s not surprising two expressive symbols of Light and Love are being used to show our love and gratitude for others during this time. Christmas Lights reflect humankind’s hope and joy, celebrating Jesus Christ’s Birth. St. Valentine Hearts honour a special saint known for great faith and love for others.
During these trying times when we must practice physical distancing from each other, somehow we’ve grown much closer together in spirit.
