Through the Years: Happy 28th!

Marriage Advice
Jane Wells (1886)

Let your love be stronger than your hate and anger.

Learn the wisdom of compromise, for it is better to bend a little than to break. Believe the best rather than the worst.
People have a way of living up or down to your opinion of them.
Remember that true friendship is the basis for any lasting relationship. The person you choose to marry is deserving of the courtesies and kindnesses you bestow on your friends.
Please hand this down to your children and your children's children.

Happy 28^th year anniversary to my sunshine, my friend, and my love,

Compassionate

Obliging

Sentimental

Tolerant

Appreciative

Elder Paisios of Mount Athos Spiritual Counsels on Family Life

Patience Fills a Person with Grace
Geronda, how does one handle an angry person?

-   With patience!

-   What if you do not have any?

-   Go and buy some; they sell it at the stores! Look, when someone is steaming with anger, no matter what you say, it will come to nothing. It is better to keep quiet and say the Jesus Prayer. With prayer, he’ll calm down, and you can communicate with him. You see, even fishermen don’t go fishing unless the sea is calm; they wait patiently for the storm to pass. 

Geronda, what makes people so impatient?
- Their abundant...inner peace! God has hung the salvation of man on the hook of patience. The Gospel says, "But he that endureth to the end shall be saved." (Matthew 10:22)
This is why He presents hardships and various trials- so that people will develop the virtue of patience.

From Chapter Two: With Patience the Family is Saved 

Volume Four: Family Life

Elder Paisios of Mount Athos Spiritual Counsels IV

One Year Hence...Here I am Now

It was Saturday, February 1, 2014 when I felt a lump on my left breast. The following days were a blur…uncertainties until I went to the Marlborough Imaging Center in Southborough on February 10^th. When the radiologist performed an ultrasound and told me, he needed to do a biopsy. That made me feel very scared. I had nobody with me and I felt myself shiver. 

        “Dear God,” I prayed.

“Please help me, give me courage to face this ordeal. I cannot do it alone.”

Through the tests and the many consultations I had with the team of oncologists and hospital staff, I remained calm. Thank God I had my family with me. Deep inside, though, I felt nervous. The Jesus Prayer kept me strong and determined. It kept me company. I was determined to fight the battle.

Surgery- done;  the first phase.

Radiation treatment for 33 days- done; the second phase.

Oral medication: The five year regimen- two and a half years of Tamoxifen, followed by two and a half years with another medication- So far, 7 months done. This third phase is still ongoing.

I worked through the whole radiation treatment. I took an Incomplete on the two courses I was enrolled in that Spring semester. At first, I was timid to tell others about my ordeal. That changed when I realized that I needed others to pray for me, as well. 

How have I been since last year?

Despite some side effects that the medications give me, I am fine. I’ve learned to accept them as part of the treatment. I enjoy working…working with my co-teachers that have become good friends and an excellent support system. I love teaching the students, who never fail to make me laugh every day. But most of all, through my illness, my family bonds have been strengthened even more. I thank God that I am well again.

Dana, Lauren, and Peggy

 

Mother and Daughter

 

With my Kuya, Bong

 

 

 

 

 

 

With my Diko  (Oscar)

Family Picture, Christmas, 2014

At School for School Spirit Week

You, O Lord, are My Strength

What makes me keep on believing?
When I am weakened by struggles,
Yet, as much as I am beaten, I will not quit. 
Help me to get up, help me to start again. 
Extend Your Hand and lift me up,
For You, O Lord, are my strength.

Restless is my heart.

I long to feel your presence,

Where are You, O Lord?

I call on You to hear me,

I know that You listen,

I have no doubt that You will answer my prayers,

Let me understand Your words, O Lord.

 

1 Chronicles 16:11-12 (Revised Standard Version) 
Seek the LORD and His strength, seek His presence continually! Remember the wonderful works that He has done, the wonders He wrought, the judgments He uttered.

Romans 15:13 (Revised Standard Version)

May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that by the power of the Holy Spirit you may abound in hope.