tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5637758100210644182024-02-20T02:34:13.710+00:00Helps for the journey...Katerina, Seraphim, John Maximovich, Silouan and Father Sophrony of Essex intercede with Christ Our God; that our souls may be saved.Katerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07890849723223764136noreply@blogger.comBlogger49125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563775810021064418.post-73257833960369644632023-01-25T23:26:00.002+00:002023-01-25T23:26:28.360+00:0025 January 2023 !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
It has been 7 years since I came here. WHERE HAS THAT TIME GONE ??
What a rollercoaster of a journey. I'm still alive, despite having stage 3/4 Hodgkin Lymphoma discovered in Sept 2021, Hemolitic Anemia, and Doc's puzzled as to why I wasn't dead, with so little red blood cells, because the cancer was so invasive and, along with the immunotherapy, white blood cells were eating the red.
When I was rushed into Pinderfields, Michael visited me next day he could see the blood transfusion had brought me back to life, but all I could say was "I told you I didn't feel well!!"
Anyway, things in life in the world are becoming crazier.
Evil is becoming ever more malevolent, and many are not understanding that mixing many religions and "ways" of spirituality is stirring up the evil and opening portals to allow it gain permission to be, and do, whatever they want.
God loves all, but HE will not interfere with our FREE WILL.
Everyone can choose, but many many just miss who CHrist is. HE IS GOD, The WORD and SON.
He is the only one who is alive following dying MY / our death.
Being God, His body died and His Spirit went to Hell for us, redeeming us, body, soul and spirit, then returned, passing back through time and space, into Heaven; But unless we trust Him to do this for us, there is no way we will ever be good enough to attain this, indeed unless we embrace the GIFT, and exchange our fallen life for His Eternal life.
Thanks be to God the cancer was found to be clear on 31st december 2021, 3 months later.
I lost my hair and now completely different, and have CURLY hair.
Trust God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit. Every hair, or not, is counted.
And always, always, always ... keep the truth ...
It is a paradox,
but can be trusted ...
LOVE died yet LIVES ... Alleluia.
https://youtu.be/HZOH57vFwj0Katerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07890849723223764136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563775810021064418.post-89938786273806034042015-04-09T20:27:00.000+01:002015-04-09T20:27:10.612+01:00GleaningsThe moment we become attached to anything it lays hold on us, has claim to us.
The longer attachment is allowed, the more we make of it a god. An Idol.
Only by detaching and sacrificing all our needs and wants on the altar of out hearts and minds can LOVE for all things be fulfilled.
When we come to the edge of our comfort zone the best thing to do is jump, and see who jumps with us. Only those who do not procrastinate are worthy of continuing the journey with us until they, too, have to leave.
Then be thankful for the sharing of the journey.Katerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07890849723223764136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563775810021064418.post-45283946331217728122015-03-24T19:47:00.000+00:002015-04-09T20:31:38.213+01:00A stop off...It's been a long time since I've been here.
Reading back over things that I'd completely forgotten has brought yet more comfort.
Being tired and in a body that I'm slowly being parted from isn't a comfortable place to be, but it's comforting to know I'm not alone.
I may be on my own in my skin, but I'm not alone.
You'll work it out eventually!
Love and prayers, dear world.Katerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07890849723223764136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563775810021064418.post-20343601523749423622014-08-05T14:35:00.003+01:002014-08-05T14:35:50.279+01:00Moving on.Life really does go on, whether I want it to or not, and it's good that it's not up to me!
Woofs and Walks seems to be my sanity! Thank God for pointing me in this direction, and for the support of Michael, and other family and friends (you know who you are!)
Making contact with canine friends connects something deep inside, and lifts me to where I'm surely meant to be. On the other hand (why does there always have to be one!?) responsibility could get the better of me if I allow it to!
Thank you to my Canine friends who have come to stay, so far...
Ryder
Gracie and Butler
Ted
Teddy
and finally, Sam, who I only knew for a while, but was so privilaged to care for.Katerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07890849723223764136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563775810021064418.post-75934113239834975222014-08-05T13:55:00.001+01:002014-08-05T13:55:42.658+01:00It is Truly Meet (English)<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="344" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/V-aYGPw1VCA" width="459"></iframe>Katerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07890849723223764136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563775810021064418.post-76688204730436974392014-04-18T20:42:00.000+01:002014-04-18T20:42:17.515+01:00when virtual life is all I haveNot being able to attend Holy week services has been not what I expected from life, as bus driving is now out of my life. A viral infection has stopped me.
Waiting in the silence between bouts of coughing has been a continuation of the silence of depression and it's doing great healing on a deeper level. Of this I am sure.
Or maybe it's the calm before the storm of Woofs and Walks, the new path I have chosen. Although, it feels more like it has chosen me!
Thank you to all who have supported during this time of change, especially dear Michael and his Mum, Shirley Carolyn. And to my friends. Your words and wisdom have helped me, broken me and remade me to shape me for this new venture.
I also must thank Dunlop and Heidi, without who's trust and love I couldn't do Woofs and Walks. May we meet on every walk I take a dog on, and with every woof that is heard in the house. I love you.
Blessed Pascha everyone. Christ IS Risen!Katerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07890849723223764136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563775810021064418.post-26280690209752200122013-08-21T22:52:00.000+01:002013-08-21T22:53:12.693+01:00When I leave this body that anchors me to this existance,
may there be Angels to defend me from the dark creations that came to be
because of me.
I pray peace to replace the disturbances I caused.
I pray Truth to heal the lies I set free.
I pray LOVE to complete what I did not fulfill.
I pray Mercy to forgive what I could not be.
O Light everlasting shine...
on all who need your light in their night, this night.
O Wholeness,
be with those who are broken this night.
O Rest never ending,
calm thoughts and fears this night.
O Love, always draw us close tonight,
and every night,
until our nights turn into
Everlasting Day.Katerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07890849723223764136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563775810021064418.post-13525780378878669472013-08-21T22:34:00.000+01:002013-08-21T22:36:07.320+01:00
Like each passage through life, death is both an extremely individual thing, yet paradoxically communal also.
Pulled in 2 directions at the same time, anxiety rules: concern for the loved one dying, and the self which has to go on.
The thought processes for the real sufferers of death, those who are left to deal with matters, become legion.
When Death has passed it leaves great holes and uncertainties in the place of the person who has vacated the shell now before us.
Death is not an academic subject, but a matter for the heart, mind and emotions. Preparation for it only gives observational aspects as to who, what, when, where and why.
The last question being the one that creates the largest hole.
Many say that time is a great healer... but it only distances us from the moment of parting.
Dealing with berevement is a string of coping mechanisms utilised when grief strikes.
Grief has to be endured until the force subsides, and tears are the pressure valve for the crisis of grief.
It's ok to cry...
It's ok to cry with the dying.
It's ok to cry for your self.
It's ok to cry for what you had.
It's ok to cry...
for tears remove what you cannot put into words.
And with each day that passes, tears fulfill their role,
healing for the soul.Katerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07890849723223764136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563775810021064418.post-28837120834166923232013-04-22T20:01:00.002+01:002013-04-22T20:01:25.356+01:00One in All and ALL in ONE. Spring...
Onions we can eat all year, being forced to grow out of season.
Onions that when opened brings a tear, cut to the heart, for what reason?
A coil of metal, inside a watch,
How quickly time flies… tick tock! tick tock!
Moments, taken to reflect on the past.
Making memories, good and bad, that last,
and last, and last.
All around the flowers are growing...
Budding with promise, and intrinsically KNOWing…
The warmth of the Sun is changing their nature
Like The Son who does the same with nuture...
The coil of possibility inside us... tightening and relaxing
depending on what An act of will causes,
but patience. . . with pauses. . .
Create a Holy Space for God to act,
and bring about changes ... Changes that last
... completing the Circle Of life … His intention?
To restore His image In His creature, His invention...
To bring to fulfilment, His likeness... let in
the healing from sickness, the sickness of sin
SO...
Lord Jesus, come in… Come in… Come IN
…To our broken places, Especially our mind And bring us to life with You
And ALL of MANKIND Katerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07890849723223764136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563775810021064418.post-61198026387170494632013-04-22T19:44:00.000+01:002013-04-22T19:44:09.041+01:00Aspects of prayerTurn off all stimuli, the noises of the world;
And the hiss of mankind praying will be heard.
Awareness begins to take place;
Hear: Cars on the road.
The beating of the wings of a bird…
It’s song thrilling ears,
to raise the heart, and lift eyes
and focus them into the skies;
Eyes that see … endless possibility.
Feel the firmness of the ground
Under feet that walk the path of life each day.
Bathe: (in water) a body, and wash it’s sins away.
Touch the softness of a newly unfurled leaf,
A blade of grass, an acorn seed.
Smell the season of summer begin.
Taste the fresh herbs to season life’s offering.
What is prayer?
To be… aware of the moment and what is…
And use all those discoveries.
If acitivity; then act to the fullest.
If stillness; then remain in the hush.
If struggle; then employ the fight.
If dying; then leave, with calm serenity,
Knowing …
All is satisfied,
All is complete.
Katerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07890849723223764136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563775810021064418.post-67960039633318981882013-04-22T19:15:00.001+01:002013-04-22T19:35:15.089+01:00The Lenten Spring by Catrina for Bethany House Chickenley SPRING!
A season.
and a reason
For opening doors, to let the wind blow,
where it will; bouncing and bringing
The spring chorus,
singing …
A time to rejoice,
and a time to let go.
Giving and receiving.
Arriving and leaving
the meandering track we all have to walk.
Someone to laugh with, cry with, tread the path with
Be quiet with or revel
In A Heart to Heart talk
Life brings us seasons, changes to force.
Like the stream, to the river, to the sea on its course.
Caring and sharing, tears and pain
But The Light of God shines through All
And sunshine with rain…
…Makes a
R A I N B O W !...
… Gods’ promise of a brighter tomorrow;
He completes our journey of suffering and sorrow.
His grace and mercy; His LOVE is the thing
We experience most greatly in
The Lenten Spring.
Catrina for Bethany House Chickenley Copyright 2013
Katerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07890849723223764136noreply@blogger.com0Dewsbury, West Yorkshire, UK53.688245654300118 -1.608135428588866553.683544154300115 -1.6182204285888664 53.692947154300121 -1.5980504285888666tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563775810021064418.post-53265359642408977972013-03-02T23:42:00.001+00:002013-03-02T23:42:13.573+00:00Healing is not recovery - it's more that that!Recovery is not about finding what we had before but thought we had lost, but discovering that what gives me life today.
A physical illnes can leave soemone DISabled, it is sowith a mental and emotional illness too, but, what they both do, is bring us to a place of a changed life.
What I now am is other-ABLED, able to do that which I could or would not do before - take another way.
I have also learned that <b>NOT ALL CHANGE IS BAD</b> or negative.
It's just the culture of selfishness that pampers to the self "What I want I can have, and money must be thrown at it until it is acheived!"
Being with my friends has taught me to give myself what I need to heal and not take it from others. They have their own journey. We do it side by side, not in each others pockets!
Thankyou to all who have been with me on the journey.
Katerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07890849723223764136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563775810021064418.post-83873263227274608622013-01-04T16:00:00.001+00:002013-01-04T16:00:31.359+00:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNZ4v-tOwgDVMMLjjaSpCpn_M-0jgLEX2C_xIJCU2MBQEvyB0uTP_x3JOq-QZ8OmqDwMHOM50hJs7ac6V3vMtkV6KoI0HhtluqUzgGIQPc9hUlqKeq9z8uvr-2x3lmLVyh8iZEgwnLc4/s1600/mum%2526dad+best.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left:1em; margin-right:1em"><img border="0" height="230" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrNZ4v-tOwgDVMMLjjaSpCpn_M-0jgLEX2C_xIJCU2MBQEvyB0uTP_x3JOq-QZ8OmqDwMHOM50hJs7ac6V3vMtkV6KoI0HhtluqUzgGIQPc9hUlqKeq9z8uvr-2x3lmLVyh8iZEgwnLc4/s320/mum%2526dad+best.jpg" /></a></div>
Opportunities for change come in many guises.
Illness is one of them.
Having no control is really living by faith, and that even has to be allowed to have it's own space and experience.
Whatever 2013 holds, I will change for the better, and what has been will not hold me prisoner by manipulating my feelings by memory, but faced as a reality of an evolving life.
Onwards and Upwards to the hope Christ has called me to.
Katerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07890849723223764136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563775810021064418.post-43342521435104292262012-10-08T20:16:00.000+01:002012-10-08T20:16:26.011+01:00From Father Stephen who summs up the life of being Orthodox in a nutshell...
<br />The Orthodox “experience” if I can use such a phrase, is the confirmation in the heart of the truth we have received as we grow in grace and in purity of heart. But the truth of the faith must be confirmed in such a living manner or it simply becomes an historical item and the Church would be a collection of antiquarians and not the living temple of God. For my knowledge of God is also my life in God. Life, light, truth, knowledge - all of these have something of a synomymous character.
<br />
<br />O Lord, Save Thy people and bless thine inheritance...
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<br />Rememeber me O Lord, in Thy Kingdom...
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<br />Katerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07890849723223764136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563775810021064418.post-73935733052546430242012-01-11T22:06:00.002+00:002012-01-11T22:15:52.396+00:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLit3sV3u_-qMVEezYwylQDjx3DfpF-O3dBwOYRBhh_UL70Kajt5jn7OC98fs1hZvBrXP3kHV708Tra6UDRRbWHopbVPg5Xiyk62X63ZTGsaF04hwqYaYwhz184J0PtHeoB6xHhxU82dA/s1600/treeWay.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLit3sV3u_-qMVEezYwylQDjx3DfpF-O3dBwOYRBhh_UL70Kajt5jn7OC98fs1hZvBrXP3kHV708Tra6UDRRbWHopbVPg5Xiyk62X63ZTGsaF04hwqYaYwhz184J0PtHeoB6xHhxU82dA/s320/treeWay.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5696501637741549170" /></a><br />Can't see the wood for the trees!<br />Looking along the path which has led me to this day, I was prompted by a dear friend, Phyllis, and the gift of the writing book she gave at Christmas, to articulate some observations of The Path so far. So here is a small offering.<br /><br />I heard a voice say “Today, if you hear Him, do not harden your hearts…” <br />Lord, Have Mercy…<br /><br /><br />Jesus says “I will build my church”<br /><br />As we read the lives of the Orthodox Saints, The Holy Spirit and our prayer to Christ prepares us and we become sharers of something of their grace and experience of Christ and, as with all Christ’s does through His people, this experience helps us to find our path in, and to, Christ too. <br /><br />It’s a homecoming! <br />To God, and to our “self”. <br /><br />As I was once taught – “From glory to GLORY”!<br /><br />The Church gives us Bishops, Priests and Deacons: Holy Monks and Nuns, Friends and Mothers-in-Christ, men and women who stand on The Path, and send up flares to help light our way back to God and to our true “self.” <br />They ask God what He wants to give them… then do just that and only that.<br /><br />In the Liturgy The Church prays for the church,<br />and prayer is continually offered …<br /> Priest: For our Archbishop (Name), our Bishop (Name), the honourable presbyters, the deaconate in Christ, all the clergy and the people, let us pray to the Lord. <br />People: Lord, have mercy. <br /><br /><br />Speaking with the Priest can help us only when we help ourselves to the help offered.<br />Applying the ointment, or taking/swallowing/ingesting the word of treatment offered by our Spiritual Father, is how we accept the grace of healing for our broken-ness…<br />given by The Father, through Christ, in The Holy Spirit, offered within His Church fulfilled in the Holy Mysteries.<br />“I will take the cup of Salvation, and call upon The Name of The Lord!”<br /><br />If I have put on Christ, His way should not be alien to me.<br />Therefore should the same garment fit all? <br /><br />Holy God; Holy Mighty; Holy Immortal… Have Mercy on us.Katerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07890849723223764136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563775810021064418.post-4566007139574733372011-10-10T20:03:00.002+01:002011-10-10T20:07:48.637+01:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqTlzd0pxu2r5LTTCfpAMo_qzxNF1_SsOgD4npf3-SsKBtqliciAXcluZ39WZblRPZDrhN-zgsYb1B8G7SefiS41sfSq9gux1PV6N8fNdOXkYHdpb-Wymqq98P5sfw_aws49aCY88KKQ/s1600/217331_214911501868085_207319435960625_827388_7240374_n.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 278px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizqTlzd0pxu2r5LTTCfpAMo_qzxNF1_SsOgD4npf3-SsKBtqliciAXcluZ39WZblRPZDrhN-zgsYb1B8G7SefiS41sfSq9gux1PV6N8fNdOXkYHdpb-Wymqq98P5sfw_aws49aCY88KKQ/s320/217331_214911501868085_207319435960625_827388_7240374_n.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5661942195113186770" /></a><br />The Masters Face.<br />Inspired by Phyllis Blockley.<br /><br /><br /><br />I have a likeness of My Lord, upon a cloth, kept so secretly.<br />Which He made by rising from the dead.<br />The Light, from All Eternity<br />shone in the darkness;<br />And the darkness comprehended it not.<br /><br /><br />The sign of death that causes the life of all?<br />A weapon invincible,<br />and The Weapon of Peace.<br />The Cross,<br />meant for shame, came to be<br />a sign of Victory for me.<br /><br /><br />I see, in lives of humility,<br />this sign, carried, for love of me.<br />So, I depict on wood<br />all the good,<br />which attracts life, to LIFE;<br />through death.<br />Life fulfilled.<br />Life fulfilling itself.<br /><br /><br />The Image created Itself.<br />And broke It's Self, to heal all things.<br />The Image envisaged no greater love,<br />because LOVE<br />knows no other than Itself.<br /><br /><br />"Let there be Light"<br />There was,<br />and is,<br />and ever shall be,<br />in those who live for eternity,<br />who look for the life that created "all this"<br />and gives itself. Continually.Katerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07890849723223764136noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563775810021064418.post-63528903781902399392011-10-05T16:21:00.002+01:002011-10-05T17:37:13.424+01:00The greatest gift of ALL."Grief is the price we pay for the love we give"<br />So says David Teems in one of his songs from his "In The Mourning" cd, which was born out of grief for the victims of The World Trade Center collapse, and his own Fathers' death.<br />Through Isaiah, God says "I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places; That you may know that I am the LORD, Who calls you by your name..."<br />Dunlop and Mum have departed this life, and both taken some more of my heart with them. <br />But I know the heart can be renewed by faith, and God gives faith.I accept. <br />In the psalms it says "Unless The Lord builds the house, the labourers labour in vain"<br />So I will remain in this place, digging and seeking until the treasure that is to be found in this dark place is found. <br />The treasure is love, and love never fails. <br />For God IS love.Katerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07890849723223764136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563775810021064418.post-81175594448299325632011-03-20T19:14:00.003+00:002011-03-20T19:18:02.486+00:00It has been many months since I spoke in this place and The Lord has been merciful in the plan He has for our life.<br /><br />Love is th only Universal language.<br /><br />A smile is the best form of trade one can give.<br /><br />God bless all who are hurting today, either for others or in themselves.<br /><br />Farewell for now. X X XKaterinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07890849723223764136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563775810021064418.post-52640811685676836902010-05-07T20:43:00.003+01:002010-05-07T20:52:02.177+01:00<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlxT7TMdlN4RyEAmmZdSuVKNz2ht4W7vvPxFFrVGutZTYFZgw7DRaW7mZYtNOeu9SBtEQhJTeJ0N57tBFE4-XOpqhWMZ_wgGkhDW65P7IAbPkD50ycMPyOmS2y_uGS5Mav8hoTqE51oc/s1600/speech1.JPG"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlxT7TMdlN4RyEAmmZdSuVKNz2ht4W7vvPxFFrVGutZTYFZgw7DRaW7mZYtNOeu9SBtEQhJTeJ0N57tBFE4-XOpqhWMZ_wgGkhDW65P7IAbPkD50ycMPyOmS2y_uGS5Mav8hoTqE51oc/s320/speech1.JPG" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5468617824131566674" /></a><br />Grateful Tuesday hasn't come yet! Not ready for it!<br /><br />When tomorrow comes I will be alive, <br />When tomorrow comes there will be peace.<br />Nothing really matters, but the love we give.<br />When tomorrow comes I will live!Katerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07890849723223764136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563775810021064418.post-54354119229241451452010-04-26T23:06:00.002+01:002010-04-26T23:11:58.402+01:00I'll find my way home...Free on Tuesday.<br />My Mum Eva Cross, is very ill. She isn't getting stronger and seems not to want to return from wherever she is off to!<br />The hardest prayer - Thy will be done!<br />Lord Have Mercy.<br />Love you always X X XKaterinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07890849723223764136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563775810021064418.post-63446628420096374332009-10-04T15:22:00.003+01:002009-10-04T15:55:22.854+01:00Therese of Lisieux... Memory Eternal!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP27d7SQLWHRm8bwRypdWXbs5OR5uuFC9V9q0xciChmAO1vNrRsJHQe1W1Cewls3BkHRjt6l1ipvklsM0HCooJ_5zDYC-L3rltrKhn9sHVPaRPzhH0DnTmipUNj1NdjVfpmVnHNcawlgg/s1600-h/saint_stephen.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 234px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP27d7SQLWHRm8bwRypdWXbs5OR5uuFC9V9q0xciChmAO1vNrRsJHQe1W1Cewls3BkHRjt6l1ipvklsM0HCooJ_5zDYC-L3rltrKhn9sHVPaRPzhH0DnTmipUNj1NdjVfpmVnHNcawlgg/s320/saint_stephen.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5388758345656357138" /></a><br />When we pray for someone who comes into our life, it is easier to tell God what we believe is best for that person, especially those who are to be close to us.<br />The hard part is to say Thy Will Be Done...<br /><br />Saint Therese of Lisieux seemed to "get her own way" with God every time she requested something of Him. But, what she didn't realise was the cost to her as it was God in her working out His purposes, she was just was the speaker for The Word of God to grant God's mercies and graces as are all those who follow Him. She came home to who she was, and had the grace to know what would fulfill her from an early age. She came to realise the cost of discipleship<br /><br />Stephen; Welcome Home...<br />Don't look back during your life on Earth. You have been called to a higher purpose and He has work for you to do... Love and Mercy is the Key to opening the doors you think are fast shut, but as you walk each step of this life you will discover who you are. May you also have the grace to know what will fulfill you from your early age.<br /><br />Peace be with you and LOVE you always...<br /><br />Your big sister; Catrina. X X XKaterinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07890849723223764136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563775810021064418.post-25344153099701620322009-08-25T20:05:00.003+01:002009-08-25T20:49:17.335+01:00Aunt Olga May Steer<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_FGz6J5eYbvrLe3-XXAEQ1jKrmJQMU0PGj_JXNlOmAdZvMv2srvinBvs4BKNDITqaxAOnrCHTc8QQLCQMj2UpuLtxsGYO97RAe4bu9SdhjInZWnO0NBPzRtZS_JuZSXXNmq198U0IXw/s1600-h/photo+dump+048.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs_FGz6J5eYbvrLe3-XXAEQ1jKrmJQMU0PGj_JXNlOmAdZvMv2srvinBvs4BKNDITqaxAOnrCHTc8QQLCQMj2UpuLtxsGYO97RAe4bu9SdhjInZWnO0NBPzRtZS_JuZSXXNmq198U0IXw/s320/photo+dump+048.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5373984549576304866" /></a><br />When our loved ones who live far away die, the reality doesn't sink in for many weeks, even when the funeral is over and life continues as if they were never there.<br />It's like a wound that cuts very deep, but, as it heals, the skin knits but the scar is always visible.<br /><br />This life seems like a dream.<br /><br />I go about my daily life, and all around the world others' lives are coming to an end. <br />One day mine will too. <br />I hope and pray that I may know the reality to which Saint Paul refers: "Then we shall know even as we are known. Now we see as in a distorted mirror, then we shall see clearly and face to face".<br /><br />Rest in peace, Dear Aunt Olga, with Uncle Jack, Dad, Linda, and Mike's Dad, Malcolm. <br /><br />Love you FOREVER... We'll meet again... Lord, Have Mercy.Katerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07890849723223764136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563775810021064418.post-25605163224821872832009-07-14T02:41:00.005+01:002009-07-14T03:16:36.713+01:00Shifting sands of time<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLGTaVzAHYXSgnAcPuiSv3VXSTtd1SgtcDH7kqR8wSxABNSmOtcG_AXoa6CSOG3fJrubf98ESXo0UVLQ0TpNMmky-PkQdY22ALkIgh9yO6ei2katp0aSIO7duT4aS68Ff1D2HtU-mLyn0/s1600-h/2390103699_571e273d8c_m.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 240px; height: 154px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLGTaVzAHYXSgnAcPuiSv3VXSTtd1SgtcDH7kqR8wSxABNSmOtcG_AXoa6CSOG3fJrubf98ESXo0UVLQ0TpNMmky-PkQdY22ALkIgh9yO6ei2katp0aSIO7duT4aS68Ff1D2HtU-mLyn0/s320/2390103699_571e273d8c_m.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5358128942831159170" /></a><br /><br />Lord, My boat is so small and the ocean so big; Please keep Your hand on the rudder of life, and grant me safe passage through the storms into the safe harbour of Thy Kingdom. Amen.<br /><br />When I am challenged by outside forces that threaten the stillness of acceptance of life, what do I do? <br />Burst into tears... !<br />I do not know where life is heading but I know that my Redeemer liveth, <br />and His hand is on the rudder of my life.<br />I ask it always will be! <br />And, when I get hold of the rudder and pull it the way I want it to go, <br />I pray He will use enough force to get my hand off it and allow it to go under His direction alone and in His direction always.<br /><br /> Lord, Have mercy.Katerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07890849723223764136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563775810021064418.post-13905098436629451992009-06-10T14:49:00.009+01:002009-07-14T03:14:09.013+01:00Falling Asleep..<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgfGdaADFO7XsF7EwFiAVgOHN8WUV5RATnDFRaIrgoRkRczbbArTTEDq0iagqzXDN1QjEHr3PfPtmihyphenhyphen2__8SNXsRgICzLBRe8OGraEKSbt6fXOWlug3FirtX0LPDtgF5U-Wu-RUxMTvg/s1600-h/linda+age52.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 214px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgfGdaADFO7XsF7EwFiAVgOHN8WUV5RATnDFRaIrgoRkRczbbArTTEDq0iagqzXDN1QjEHr3PfPtmihyphenhyphen2__8SNXsRgICzLBRe8OGraEKSbt6fXOWlug3FirtX0LPDtgF5U-Wu-RUxMTvg/s320/linda+age52.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5345695903079841746" /></a><br />That's what my darling Sister did on 13th May 2009.<br /><br /><br />Linda suffered from Pulmonary Hypertension for 4 years, taking each stage of the disease as a garment to be worn. <br />She kept the depth of her suffering from us, her family, and if love alone could've saved her she would never have become ill in the first place.<br /><br /><br />Sis; There will never be a day when I won't miss you.<br /><br /> <br />You're dying was so peaceful and what I'd always prayed it would be; That was the miracle.<br />During those 4 years you became what I always knew you could be... and this time you didn't want to run away. <br />If we take anything from your life with us, that's it, you finally accepted what you couldn't change, and lived as fully as life would allow you without struggling to change it to other than what it was.<br />I console my heart, mind and soul with the knowledge and ever increasing hope that you are with My Dad and yours, and all together with The Heavenly Father; and I will always remember the fun, joy and love you gave each of us. <br />God keep you in His nearer care until I see ya later;<br />Loveyalots, and forever. Catrina X X XKaterinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07890849723223764136noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-563775810021064418.post-30958178340423863642009-05-06T22:35:00.002+01:002009-05-06T22:57:27.831+01:00Waiting for a miracle.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4CCninqA29HWEkNKYEt-GdE6aJW2AFm-iU3YjVifEdhFYyaXt32-ZtgvouHP8oaZiKVFUpefTGxsEiNo_Q8_tbgLqnAM55d9mUIcMBbbLeXI-TGu0sgXIYGKMv4pyH7mJfhwR3rzdGwQ/s1600-h/garden+flowers+002.jpg"><img style="float:left; margin:0 10px 10px 0;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 214px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4CCninqA29HWEkNKYEt-GdE6aJW2AFm-iU3YjVifEdhFYyaXt32-ZtgvouHP8oaZiKVFUpefTGxsEiNo_Q8_tbgLqnAM55d9mUIcMBbbLeXI-TGu0sgXIYGKMv4pyH7mJfhwR3rzdGwQ/s320/garden+flowers+002.jpg" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5332833341300673922" /></a><br />Praying for healing is the hardest prayer of all.<br />I love my Sister so much and cannot bear watching her suffer anymore.<br />Lord, Have Mercy.<br /><br />I hurt for the children of Edlington, the parish where I worship. They have such adult awful words and burdens to bear, which they hear from the people in their lives, who are also hurting and having to carry the evil of the worst attributes of life.<br />Lord, Have Mercy.<br /><br />I miss my Dad, and, of course, Mike's Dad.<br />Lord, Have Mercy.<br /><br />I pray for those who seek for a companion for this life, especially M.N. and H. knowing they carry love for one who is to come into their life to fulfill the desire of their heart.<br />Lord, Have Mercy.<br /><br />Through the prayers of The Most Holy Theotokos, Saint Katerina, Saint Seraphim, Saint John Maximovich and Christ's gift to Essex, Blessed Father Sophrony, O Saviour; Save Us.Katerinahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/07890849723223764136noreply@blogger.com0