Forgiveness Sunday and the start of Great Lent

Glory to the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, both now and forever. Amen.

The season of the virtues now has come, and the Judge is at the door. Let us not hold back with darkened face, but let us keep the fast, offering tears, repentance, and almsgiving; and let us cry: our sins are more in number than the sands of the sea; Deliverer of all, forgive each one of us, that we may receive an incorruptible crown.

—from the Vespers of Forgiveness Sunday

Please forgive me brothers and sisters.

May Great Lent be a blessed time for all of you.

Meatfare Sunday

Woe, to you, O my darkened soul!
Your life is stained by depravity and laziness;
your folly makes you shun all thought of death.
How complacent you remain!
How can you flee the awesome thought of Judgment Day?
When will you change your way of life?
On that day your sins will rise against you.
What will your answer be then?
Your acts will condemn you; your deeds will expose you.
The time is at hand, O my soul.
Turn to the good and loving Savior!
Beg Him to forgive your malice and weakness, as you cry in faith:
“I have sinned, O Lord, I have sinned against You,
but I know Your love for all mankind.//
O good Shepherd, call me to enjoy Your lasting presence on Your right hand!”

-Aposticha from Vespers for Sunday of Meatfare/Sunday of the Last Judgment

Reading and Blogging

As I mentioned in my last post, my New Years Resolution is "to run!" In doing this, working towards this mentality (which is really a difficult thing for me), I am trying to read some books that I hope will inspire me. I cannot lose sight of this goal, I do not want to lose sight of this goal. Since I haven't been posting much as of late I thought that I would "try" to just post quotes now and again from the books that I am reading. Putting them here will help remind me of these little bits of inspiration and just maybe someone else might find them inspiring as well.

I am reading a few different books at different speeds (some take longer to digest then others). One of them is called "Quotidian Mysteries: Laundry, Liturgy and 'Women's Work'." I am actually re-reading it, the first time being about 7 years ago. I used to own the book but have no idea where it went to. I must have loaned it out or something. This copy is from the library.
Quotidian means : occurring everyday; belonging to everyday; commonplace, ordinary.

She starts out talking about how we always have the "daily" with us; dishes, laundry, diapering, etc. But we've stigmatized it. All too often, however, we stigmatize such work as "menial," considering domestic or janitorial work to be suitable only for those who are too limited mentally to find employment elsewhere. Cleaning up after others, or even ourselves, is not what we educate our children to do; it's for someone else's children, the less intelligent, less educated and less well-off.

A few paragraphs later....

The fact that none of us can rise so far in status as to remove ourselves from the daily, bodily nature of life on this earth is not usually considered a cause for celebration, but rather the opposite. The daily routines that provide a modicum of discipline in our lives are perceived as a drag, a monotony that can occasion listlessness, apathy and despair. The word acedia is not much in use these days- The American Heritage Dictionary defines it as "spiritual torpor or apathy; ennui"-but I wonder if much of the frantic boredom and enervating depression that constitute an epidemic in modern life are not merely the ancient demon of acedia in contemporary dress. Although acedia was long thought to be the province of monastics alone, plagueing them because of lack of distraction in their daily lives, I believe that the description of acedia given by the fourth-century monk Evagrius is as relevant to us in twentieth-century America as when it was written. He states that the bad thought, or demon of acedia "makes it seem that the sun hardly moves, if at all, and that the day is fifty hours long. Then [it] constrains the monk to look constantly out the windows, to walk outside the cell, to gaze carefully at the sun to determine how far it stands from the ninth hour" [i.e., lunchtime].
Once the monk has given in to these outward distractions, the thought of acedia moves inward, and Evagrius writes that it "instills in the heart of the monk a hatred for the place, a hatred for his very life itself." He begins to think less of the other monks- we might translate this as our family , coworkers or neighbors--brooding on the ways they have angered, offended or merely failed to encourage him. "This demon, " Evagrius reports, then drives the monk "to desire other sites where he can more easily find work and make a real success of himself." Having rejected the present and present company, the monk begins to dwell in self-pitying "[memories] of his dear ones and his former way of life." Acedia then moves in for the kill, "[depicting] life stretching out for a long period of time, and brings before the mind's eye the toil of the ascetic struggle and, as the saying has it, leaves no leaf unturned to induce the monk to forsake his cell and drop out of the fight."

I can see how this can totally happen in the life of a stay at home mom.

Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner.

Happy New Year from the Ferrenbergs

I never did get my Christmas Letter written this year, or cards sent out. I started, but still haven't finished and feel that it isn't worth it now being that it is January 15th.
I just really do not know where the time goes! It is absolutely crazy!
I've not given much time over to blogging these days and as I've said on FB, "Facebook will be the death of the blogging world." Because of FB I really feel that I don't "need" to blog. I also don't feel like I need to blog because I've decided I don't really have much of anything to say. But I'll still post from time to time things that I feel that have really been encouraging or eye opening, etc. Sometimes I read something and I really believe it has helped me and maybe it could help someone else.
I've seen other people talk about their New Years Resolutions and so I've been giving it some thought. This year instead of having a long list of resolutions I've decided to concentrate on just one! Because this ONE if concentrated on would really help just about anything else I would want to resolve to do. I was talking with friend yesterday about passions/sins and he read in "Unseen Warfare" ( I THINK that was the book) that in all of us we have a chief sin. If we were to concentrate on just that one sin, putting ALL effort into that one sin, we would be far better off. If we look at all our sins that we want to conquer we tend to get overwhelmed and feel like we can't possibly tend to everything so we don't do anything. But if we just look at that one and we put all our energy into that chief sin it actually will give us power to conquer others without even knowing it. I forget exactly how he said it. Sins gain strength from each other and work like a net so if we begin to conquer just one the others lose their strength as well.

So my resolution is to conquer sloth! Everyday, I want to run!

I'm reading Wounded By Love: The Life and the Wisdom of Elder Porphyrios. I read this and it has inspired me to put all my energy and concentration into fighting this one sin.
Elder Porphyrios says that he "ran, I didn't walk" whenever he did things.
There was no question of laziness. I liked to pray even when I was tired. When I was exhausted I sought God even more. You must believe this and realize that it's truly possible. It's a matter of love. It's not simply that you work quickly. You do one job, then you begin another, you come back and do yet another, and you make sure that you finish them all: you water, you hoe, you bring earth and branches, you go up the mountain, you fetch wood for your woodcarving. With love you are in perpetual motion. You should see then where sins go. They all fall into a deep sleep. Do you hear? This is truly a life lost from the world, a blessed and holy life, a life in Paradise.

I want to run!

Blessings to you all during 2010!!

Fat Head: the movie

Fathead...
A must see movie!!!!
Here is the blog post written by creator of the movie.
Here is a review.
And my own husband has started writing a review. This one is of the first half of the movie. We watched the second half last night and I hope he reviews that as well. The 2nd half is by far the best, I think.

Watch it....it is worth it!

benches

Thank you, James, for these incredible new benches you made for us! I love them! You did an incredibly beautiful job!
Next, a table?

A Teenager?!

Kelsey Anna Sierra came into this world 13 years ago today! I am completely and utterly flabbergasted as to how quickly the last 13 years have flown past. She has grown into a young lady! She wears my shoes, my skirts, my shirts and my socks (give them back!). She reads more books than I could ever keep track or count. She writes pages and pages of stories every day! She cooks and cleans ( I just wish she would do it cheerfully), and last night she baked a banana cream pie almost by herself for her birthday "cake". It was SO delicious! She is sweet and loving, when she wants to be, because yes, she is very much a teenager! Today, she can truly say it in number.
I love you my Kelsey Belle!!! May God grant you many years!!!

Our Church Fundraiser

The women in our Women's Fellowship group have been working for months to get ready for our 2nd annual Christmas Boutique. Last year we crafted on what each of us specialized in, donated our goods and set up a table where we sold our crafts during coffee hour for 5 or 6 Sundays leading up to Nativity. This year we decided to see how it would be if we had a Saturday Holiday Boutique open to the public. So we worked even harder! Being that it was our first year, we are a very small mission fairly unknown in town, and there were 4 other Christmas type bazaars in town on the same day I think we do alright. We'll be running our table during the next 6 coffee hours to sell what's left (lots).
I decided to take a bunch of pictures of the goods we've created. We've got some pretty talented ladies in the Church. Here I am to show you some wonderful Christmas gift Ideas. If you would like to do some Christmas shopping for Quality Handmade Gifts AND support our small missions land/building fund(we are currently leasing in a business park) you've come to the right spot. ALL proceeds go the land/building fund. I would gladly ship anywhere in the USA for just a small fee (flat rate $1.99). If you would like to see closer pictures I can email them to you. Each picture below has descriptions and prices. Click the images to enlarge and see the items closer for details. Please feel free to contact me with any questions! susansophia.f[at]gmail[dot]com

First up, Resuable Gift Wrap and Bags. These are fabric gift wraps and gift bags with ribbon to tie them. Reusable year after year. There are several different patterns to choose from. Each set typically has 1-3 wraps, 1-2 bags and ribbon for each. Each is a packet of several. Some are a set of 2 (wrap or bag or both) for $5. Set of 3 (wraps and bags) for $8, and set of 4 (wraps and bags) for $10.

The earrings below are made with sterling silver hoops and beautiful colorful beads. Click to enlarge photo for better view. Handmade! $20 each.

These are some of the best dishcloths I've ever owned! I got a bunch for Christmas last year from my kids who shopped the sale. I LOVE THEM. They are small, tight crochet and they last forever. So soft but not flimsy. I hope I get many more this year. There are tons of colors available and you can even order certain colors to be made if you don't see what you want.
$3 or 2 for $5

These scrubbies have a crocheted circular dishcloth sewed on the one side. So your scrubbie has a soft side and scrub side. $3

There are several things here to point out (click the picture to enlarge).
First, in the background you'll see 4 framed Quillings: salmon($25), flowers($15), farm($25), flower basket($15). Next right under the salmon quilling you have Reusable Produce Bags. You can use these when buying your produce instead of those plastic bags that just fill the landfill. $2 each. Next to that you have a stack of Shoe Bags. These are so cute, they look like a little pair of pants, but they hold your shoes when you need to pack them up in a suitcase. Many colors to choose from. $4 each. Next to that you some Jean Bibs that my 12 year old daughter made. $4 each.

Lavender Bath Salts & Foot Soak. Click on image to enlarge and read the description.
$8

Gifts in a Jar! These are meant for the Slow Cooker but could be adapted for oven or stove top. They are $10 each. These are the meals that are available: Black Bean Chili, Ham Hock Stew, Rice Pudding, Old-Fashioned Brown Bread, and Red Beans and Rice.

These are an artisan type of box hat. They are cleverly made reversible and are absolutely beautiful! $25

Lavender Sache $3

Crocheted Water Bottle Holder, water bottle included. If you have certain color schemes you are looking for we can see about making them. For example school colors, or sports team colors. $12 each

Crocheted and Wool Felt Handbag. Fairly small these are currently holding perfectly, a notebook/journal. $20

This is our pet section. In the basket are handmade catnip toys. The catnip is home grown. $3 each. Then we have a quilted dog blanket/bed and quilted cat blanket/bed. $20.

Here we have Beaded Bookmarks. This first picture isn't very good but it gives you the length and look of these beautiful bookmarks. The next picture is a bit closer to see more detail. $8 each.

That's it folks. Thanks for browsing and if you have any questions please feel free to ask.

Tips for fighting colds!

These are my tips and I am not a doctor, but these are things that have definitely worked in our home time and again!!! I really swear by them. These tips are mainly to fight colds: sore throat, coughs, etc.
The earlier you start these when symptoms appear the better.

1. Squeeze half a lemon, add enough honey and water to make it palatable. Drink several times a day. The sooner you do this after the first hint of sore throat or scratchy throat the better. A hot cup of water, with a whole squeezed lemon with honey is nice alternative, hot lemon tea. It's good.
2. Start taking echinacea with the first symptoms of cold or flu. This is an immune booster. It is known to shorten the length of illness. Studies at the UofW, have shown this. (Wish I had a link to the study, James, can you find one?) Take no more than 2 weeks.
3. Garlic is a well known anti-viral, anti-bacterial. Take as raw as you can. I make garlic oil and sneak into the shot glass of echinacea juice for my kids. Yes, the older ones notice the floating but it's medicine...put a little honey in it and they won't complain too much. "A spoonful of sugar helps the medicine go down."

Some other tips I've found to work:
If you child complains of ear pain, make or get some garlic oil and put a few drops in the complaining ear. In no time at all the pain is gone.

My friend Carrie has posted on Immune Boosters to fight the flu! Check it out!
The healthier you are inside the easier it is to fight any bugs trying to make their way in.

Again, I'm not a doctor, these are tips I've found after researching on my own. You can do some research as well: Herbal Remedies for colds. Yes, it is not "orthodox medicine" but after trying, I've changed my mind.

Fathers (and mothers)

>For Father's Day this year Kelsey Anna spent a great deal of time creating a music CD to give to James. She spent her money at iTunes and searched through our CD's picking songs that seemed to fit a father/daughter theme. She did an incredible job. I just recently really started listening to this CD and I've got to say it really makes me think. Mostly about how fast my kids are growing up, how much time I waste during these years that I have with them. In no time flat they will be grown and on their own. There is one song in particular that has me in tears nearly every time because it is actually written from a daughter to her mother. It's a Taylor Swift song but it isn't one that has ever been released like on the radio. It's called The Best Day. What gets me about this song is the relationship between mother and daughter. I want desperately to have my daughters look back when they are older and say just this! Will they? I'm really not sure. I think I really need to sit back and relax! Relax about all the tiny details that I fuss about all the time. Relish in this VERY SHORT time I will have with them to build a loving relationship. Stop worrying about every little detail and when I do....give it to God and know that He is all merciful, all gracious and in control of everything. By His grace it will all be okay.


Smile and laugh with them. Have fun learning with them, instead of looking at it as a chore. All too soon, this time will be over, but being their mother will never end. I want them to always know they are loved. And I only have one chance.

I just really love watching this.

Quote

"Know, beloved, that the valleys shall abound with wheat and spiritual fruit. This valley is a soul low and humble among the mountains, that is, it is filled with labours and virtues, and always remains unhaughty and steadfast."
St. John Climacus

"The Ladder of Divine Ascent" (Step 25)

Grammar

Grammar lessons are my biggest hurdle as far as required subjects is concerned. I just want to know what everyone else uses for grammar. I have 2nd, 3rd, 5th and 7th graders. They've had very little formal grammar instruction although my 7th grader is an incredible reader and writer. She wants to be an author when she grows up. We've done a tiny bit with Easy Grammar and are currently working on Writing Strands 2 and 3.
I'm just curious what everyone uses and why.

I've had recommendations for the Building Christian Writing from Rod & Staff but am not sure how I would choose where to start.

Thanks for your input.

"Way of the Ascetics"

by Tito Colliander

I bought this book at the bookstore that was set up at the Women's Retreat I attended last weekend. The retreat was wonderful, just not long enough.

The first chapter of this book is amazing and speaks directly to me and my slothful tendencies. I struggle everyday against the demons that entice me to sit and read, sit and surf, sit and _____. I sit and then I despair because I sit. It's a vicious cycle. I find that reading other peoples blogs only exasperates the whole cycle because I tend to see all of these "perfect" people and the "perfect" lives they live and question my abilities even more.
This chapter spoke to me deeply and profoundly. I have vowed to read this 2 page chapter over and over and over again throughout the day. To find Christ in my day by working harder with my children, opening my eyes to see Christ in them, to see Christ in each and every encounter I have.

Chapter 1 "On a Resolute and Sustained Purpose"

If you wish to save your soul and win eternal life, arise from your lethargy, make the sign of the cross and say: In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost. Amen
Faith comes not through pondering but through action. Not words and speculation but experience teaches us what God is. To let in fresh air we have to open a window; we never reach a goal by just sitting in comfort and waiting, say the Holy Fathers. Let the prodigal son be our example. He "arose and came". (Luke 15:20) However weighed down and entangled in earthly fetters you may be, it can never be too late. Not without reason is it written that Abraham was 75 when he set forth, and the laborer who comes in the 11th hour gets the same wages as the one who comes in the first.
Nor can it be too early. A forest fire cannot be put out too soon; would you see your soul ravaged and charred?
In baptism you received the command to wage the invisible warfare against the enemies of your soul; take it up now. Long enough have you dallied; sunk in indifference and laziness you have let much valuable time go to waste. Therefore you must begin again from the beginning: for you have let the purity you received in baptism be sullied in dire fashion. Arise, then; but do so at once, without delay. Do not defer your purpose till "tonight" or "tomorrow or "later, when I have finished what I have to do just now." The interval may be fatal.
No, this moment, the instant you make your resolution, you will show by your action that you have taken leave of your old self and have now begun a new life, with a new destination and a new way of living. Arise, therefore, without fear and say: Lord, let me begin now. Help me! For what you need above all is God's help.
Hold fast to your purpose and do not look back. We have been given a warning example in Lot's wife, who was turned into a pillar of salt when she looked back (Genesis 19:26). You have cast off your old humanity; let the rags lie. Like Abraham, you have heard the voice of the Lord: "Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from they father's house, into a land I will show you" (Genesis 12:1). Towards that land hereafter you must direct all your attention.

Field Trip Fridays

ADDENDUM: I realized that for being a scrapbook of sorts for our "Fun Friday" field trips I didn't have very many pictures of our first 2 field trips on here. So I have added 9 or 10 more pictures with descriptions to this post!


I've been meaning to blog about the start of school this year but just haven't had time nor the words. I've been second guessing my purpose for blogging but that is a whole different post entirely.
I just thought I'd share with you what our Fridays are going to look like. I want to "scrapbook" all our "Field Trip Fridays" but I'm not really into scrapping so I think the next best thing is blogging each trip. The purpose of that will be more for our own preservation of memories than anything else. After the year is over if the kids want to print out the Field Trip Friday posts and make a book I think that would be a fantastic idea and really fun!
I wanted to make it easy on myself and not have to do too much planning and as little driving as possible. So we are sticking around North Kitsap County and we will explore as many parks and hikes as we can. Some days it'll be a really simple playground visit and other days I hope to get in some pretty good hikes. Even a museum now and again.
On Friday, September 11th was our first Field Trip and we went to Battlepoint Park on Bainbridge Island (which really is only about 15 minutes from here, if that). They have an awesome playground, a nice 1 1/2 mile trail with a cool pond. Here a few pictures of that day.
I hope to get some cool pictures of the kids too during our outings. I haven't been taking a lot of pictures of them lately and they are sure growing up fast! During the very hot hike we finally reached the pond we had heard was there and it was such a nice little respite. Then as we watched a ton of ducks approached. They were so friendly and came up so close but we had no food for them. Later on down the path we ran into a couple little brown bunnies. We sat and watched them for quite awhile.


Here are the ducks making a bee-line for us. It was really cool. They got so close I was able to snap this really neat picture of a female Mallard.





Here we have a picture of the rabbits we ran into. You might have to click on it to enlarge to get a better look. They were so cute. The boys were able to get quite close to them before they hopped away.


Our 2nd field trip was a simple one to downtown Poulsbo to walk the boardwalk that overlooks Liberty Bay. It was a beautiful day and we really enjoyed it. September 11, 2009


I think this picture of Joseph is so neat. This was actually taken on our way back to the parking lot. After all the walking and running on this boardwalk, he finally realized that if he looked down he could see through the cracks to the water. This always freaks him out. The cracks are quite small so he didn't notice before. When we've walked bridges before where you can see water below he is almost paralyzed. It's funny.


It was another beautifully sunny day, of which we really need to take advantage of and be grateful for because they won't last much longer. We walked a short walk on the boardwalk and here is where it ended and the path goes into the woods a little to a VERY tiny play place. I like this picture of the kids.

I have no idea what Charissa and Joseph are looking at.





My "almost" teenager...she is as tall as I am now!

There was this very odd scum on the bay and we took a picture so I had to include it for their memory books. We wondered what it was and why.





This next Friday their "field trip" will only be a playdate at a friends house because I am headed out of town by 11AM to go to a women's retreat in Portland, OR. I am VERY MUCH looking forward to this and wondering what God has in store for me. I waited till the last minute and I just know the way it all worked out it was of God.

I want to post about our curriculum soon.

St. Sophia

Today we commemorate St. Sophia and her three daughters; Faith, Hope and Love. To learn more about her go here.

Troparion - Tone 5

You blossomed in the courts of the Lord
as a fruitful olive tree,
holy martyr Sophia;
in your contest you offered to Christ the sweet fruit of your womb,
your daughters Faith, Hope, and Love.
Together with them intercede for us all.


Oh Most Holy St. Sophia, please pray unto God for me.

Joseph

My baby, Joseph, who turned 7 in July, got to serve in the altar yesterday for the very first time! I wasn't prepared for this occasion like I was with Nicholas' first service nearly 3 years ago so I had to use my phone to make a memory.
This is a picture of both my boys during the Little Entrance. Joseph on the left and Nicholas on the right.

And here are ALL my boys!!!!
(L-R) Joseph; their daddy, Sbdn. James; Nicholas.

Contest at Organic & Thrifty

Win Some Counterculture

over at Organic and Thrifty.
Thank you, Carrie, for this opportunity. How how I would love to win some of these cultures. I've been wanting to try the Kefir!
Good luck to all but I sure I win!!!

I needed this!

"Tedium is the granddaughter of despondency, and the daughter of slothfulness. In order to drive it away, labor at your work, and do not be slothful in prayer. The tedium will pass, and zeal will come. And if to this you add patience and humi...lity, then you will be rid of all misfortunes and evils."
St. Ambrose of Optina

What Children Should Be Taught

I picked up a book at the library called "Easy Homeschooling Techniques". At the start of the book, before the Foreward and Preface you will find these two lists. I love them! Notice where they come from and the date.

What a Little Girl Should Be Taught:

• To cook plain wholesome food

• To make her own clothes

• To be neat and orderly

• To care for her own room

• To learn well the art of housekeeping

• To care for her person

• To exercise a quiet reserve in the presence of boys and men

• That all cheap talk is unbecoming

• That loose jokes about "beaux" and "lovers" are improper

• That modesty is a priceless treasure, and will prove her surest protector

• That her brothers are better escorts than most other young men

• That her mother is her best companion and counselor

• That her dress should be plain, and not the chief subject of her thoughts or conversation

• That she should wear only such styles of clothing as will cover her person modestly

• That it is better to be useful than ornamental

• That there will be time enough to learn fancy work after she has learned to darn stockings

• That the old rule, "A place for everything and everything in its place," is a good one

• That she should dress for health and comfort as well as for appearance

-Home and Health, © 1907, Pacific Press Publishing

What a Little Boy Should Be Taught

• To be strong and brave-a little man

• To shun evil companions

• To respect gray hairs

• To be gentle

• To be courteous

• To be prompt

• To be industrious

• To be truthful

• To be honest

• To prefer the companionship of his sisters, over other girls

• To honor his father and mother

• To be temperate

• To discard profanity

• To be thoughtful and attentive

• To keep himself pure

• To be his sister's protector

• To refuse to listen to vulgar jokes or stories

• To use common tools skillfully

• To care for his own room

• To do all kinds of housework

• To earn money, and to take care of it

• To be neat and orderly in his habits and appearance

• To be self-reliant

• To be his father's partner

-Home and Health, © 1907, Pacific Press Publishing