Thankful Thursday-Honesty

Hi everyone! I've missed you those past few weeks, though I am so very grateful I have lots to be thankful for this Easter season.

If you've stopped by this time, you know that we have celebrated the Orthodox Easter on April 27th. (And if you haven't, you may read about it here . There are also individual posts for Palm Sunday, Easter recipes , every day of the Holy Week and Easter day).

I am humbly thankful for a beautiful Easter that we've spent as a family. We went to church in the evening and we stayed till the morning on Easter Sunday for the mass, where we all received Holy Communion. J was sad, though, because the evening church going was over. Everything was new to him. I think it really made an impression to him.

I am thankful that our friends biopsy was relatively good. But I would like to ask you to please, pray for her as she faces chemo.

I am thankful that Iris chose to dedicate this week's TT to Honesty. We often read that we live in a fallen or even false world. It is true that Truth is lacking, because God is not invited in our lives. There is so much false kindness and palpable meanness around. Let us pray that we may be honest with God and ourselves.

I am currently reading a book on prayer by Metropolitan Anthony of Sourozh. He writes, and I think it is true, that when we are praying we must leave aside our preconceptions both about God and about ourselves. That with meeting God, we must not expect some artificial expectation of emotion, joy or ecstasy, but God Himself. He also says that we are often avoiding to show God who we really are, because we are afraid that His presence will disturb our lives and our own man made values.

I am really thankful for the baby steps we are making in completing the building of our house. We are now painting.

I am also thankful that the back pain is easing and I can move around better.

I am thankful for Iris and to my special friends who are writing to me, encourage me, share Faith and Wisdom with me, who stop by and comment and shower me with your love and faith in Christ. I love you. God bless you. And happy week end.