WHAT Church Do You Go To?
After being born and raised in the Church of the Nazarene (a Protestant denomination), being a Nazarene PK (preacher’s kid), a Nazarene MK (missionary kid), and attending a Nazarene University, I did the unthinkable and converted to Eastern Orthodoxy. (Oh, and I forgot: I am – or was – 4th generation Nazarene, too!) I am [...]
Advent Begins
“The people walking in darkness have seen a great light.” Orthodox Advent began yesterday. Just as we take 40 days to prepare for Christ’s death and resurrection at Pascha (Easter), we also take 40 days to prepare for Christ’s birth. So, November 15 is the day we put up our Christmas decorations. (All but our [...]
Protestantified
A few days ago my son came home singing and doing the motions for this verse of Jesus Loves Me: Jesus loves me, He who died Heaven’s gates to open wide He will wash away my sin Let the children come in. (? I think) Then my daughter came home singing “From the Rising of [...]
Seriously, Parenting is Harder Than Teaching
You wouldn’t think so. I mean, a teacher has to deal with at least 20 kids at a time, keep them in line, and edutain – I mean educate – them. But most kids maintain a little fear of their teacher. Kids will push their parents to the limit, but the majority of them want [...]
Covered in Learning and Faith
I am learning a lot at Vacation Church School. (VCS not VBS this year because we’re not actually studying passages from the Bible, but are studying Celtic saints.) Father Steven has been speaking to the children each morning briefly, and yesterday he showed the children all the vestments that Orthodox priests wear. The first thing [...]
Dangers of Non-Denominational
Okay, prepare yourself for my opinion. Typically, I can’t stand it when people constantly share their opinions on everything. And now I’m gonna be that person for a few minutes. Here’s the thing: I’m not a fan of non-denominational churches. In fact, they can be outright dangerous. The premise of non-denominational church is that believers [...]
New House Part 3
Otherwise titled: New House, New Car, New Job, New Me? It’s all come together how we wanted it to. We are blessed. We were able to get a beautiful new home close to a great private Christian school that we are able to afford (hopefully) thanks to Steven’s job there. I was able to purchase [...]
A Fox, A Skunk, Orthodox Chant, and Nature
I arrived at work at 7:20 this morning. As I was putting my purse in my desk drawer, it hit me that I’d left my cell phone at home. Today was not the day to leave my phone at home. We’ve had some snafoos with the home buying process, and I knew that both my [...]
Christ is Risen!
And the Angel cried to the Lady full of grace Rejoice! Rejoice! O pure Virgin! Again, I say rejoice! Thy son is risen from His three days in the tomb! With Himself He has raised all the dead. Rejoice, rejoice, O ye people! Shine! Shine! Shine, O new Jerusalem! The glory of the Lord has [...]
Reflections on Holy Week: The Twelve Passion Gospels
Today He is suspended on a Tree who suspended the earth over the waters. A crown of thorns was placed on the head of the King of angels. He who wore a false purple robe, covered the heavens with clouds. He was smitten who, in the Jordan, delivered Adam. The Groom of the Church was [...]
