December 8, 2007
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Quote for the Week
“The purpose of the advent of the Savior, when He gave us His life-giving commandments as purifying remedies in our passionate state, was to cleanse the soul from the damage done by the first transgression and bring it back to its original state. What medicines are for a sick body, that the commandments are for the passionate soul.” (St. Isaac the Syrian)
Scripture of the Week: Prophecy from the Prophet Isaiah
“Therefore the Lord Himself shall give you a sign; Behold, a Virgin shall conceive, and bear a Son, and shall call his name Immanuel,” which means: God is with us. (Isaiah 7:14)
Question for the Week
Inarguably, we Orthodox adhere to the Ten Commandments. How do I “remember the Sabbath day and keep it holy”? How do I extend my keeping of the Sabbath beyond attending Liturgy? Is this an area in which I would like to challenge myself this Advent?
Sacred Hymn to Ponder
“Today the Virgin is on her way to the cave where she will give birth in a manner beyond understanding to the Word who is, in all eternity. Rejoice, therefore, universe, when you hear it heralded; with the angels and the shepherds, glorify Him who chose to be seen as a new-born Babe, while remaining God in all eternity.” (Kontakion of the Preparation of the Nativity)
Thought for the Week: Whole House Clean Up
Do you ever feel like a librarian, but instead of shelving books, you are shelving your family’s possessions? If every member of your family takes out and does not put away even a dozen items (an underestimation), that’s 60 items to “re-shelf”! Add to this the Advent Season with all the commitments and pressure it can bring, the challenge of Lenten cooking, and before you know it, this pot is going to blow its lid!
Let us, rather, set ourselves up for success this Advent season. Have a “whole house cleanup” today or ASAP. This means everybody pitches in and helps put everything back in its place, gets the laundry going, does team dusting, vacuuming, and a five minute bathroom rescue for each bathroom. If you can get your husband on the same page with you, this task will be a breeze. Promise that you will bring out Christmas decorations this week if they will help do this today (or if this is too stressful an idea–think of another appropriate reward–they help!).
Then (here comes the hard part), be unwaveringly ruthless in monitoring and holding people accountable for putting away their own things. Out of place items become more apparent on a cleared counter or empty floor. Require the children to leave their rooms with a made bed and toys put away each morning. It’s a worthy goal and one that will serve them well throughout life. Get it kick started with a reward system. Accent the positive!
A group effort at reducing/eliminating clutter that stems from bad habits will give you one of the best boosts you can ask for this season. Remember to reward yourself, too, with the things that are important and bring warmth and joy to our lives–a nice meal, Christmas programs, and Church attendance with a peaceful, loving attitude. A “Whole House Clean Up” will provide a homey springboard for your family to really enjoy this special, holy season. Amen!
Comments (3)
I’ve been thinking about this since I read it, thank you.
I JUST found your blog through the Raising Godly Tomatoes forum. I was searching for Orthodox Mamas and was encouraged to find you!
My cousin who is Baptist introduced me to the site and the idea of tomato staking. I had my initial apprehensions, fearing it was legalistic but was gladly proven wrong. We’ve been using doing it since Thanksgiving now and my kids have been so responsive. I’m finally feeling comfortable with my authority because I feel like it’s so balanced with love and gentleness.
SOOOOO, would you still advocate Tomato Staking and how has your experience with it and Orthodoxy? I happened to pick up the SVS Press complilation of St. John Chrysostom homilies on Marriage and Family Life and the chapter on children really meshed with the whole idea.
Glad to find ya! And I love your whole house cleanup idea :sunny:
Hello there,
I sent you a message on your blog, basically here is what I wrote to you. I LOVED that sight and believe in what E. says. I did have trouble with some of the people on there because they didn’t like what I said when I shared my Christians faith. Most of the Orthodox mothers were kicked off the board. I have e-mailed E. to he back on. But because of all that went on there many people have become Orthodox Christians- so many converts now that I have lost count. I NEVER intended for that to happen. I was SO naive when I was on there, I was just myself and spoke from the heart. I started my own board to be able to answer people’s questions. http://www.orthodoxchat.com.. I didn’t like the way they worshipped the Pearl’s so much. As Orthodox Christians we have the Christ and His Saints to emulate.