Anita, by your sharing this personal story of your recent house blessing, you invited your readers to peek into the sacred remembrances of God's covenants and His covenantal.promises with Man. You have reminded me of the hope I have through Christ's redemptive work, which I so needed after a major upset, two days ago, with my much younger sister. I can't tell whether she pulled "a David" or I did, or we both did. But today self-condemnation has fully lifted. Your blog is the icing on the cake. Thanks so much!
So many times we substitute Christian orthodoxy for Christian convenience…it’s easier to say a quick prayer to God to bless our house and move on with life.
But when we do this we cheat ourselves of the richness of our faith and lose the importance of understanding why we believe what we believe. Reading scripture (God’s promises from ancient times) that align with our prayers provides is powerful and provides the understanding.
That was beautiful Anita! You certainly are eloquent even if you don't think you are. I could picture the blessing and your beautiful home and grounds as you all walked around. It struck a chord with me and I needed that today. Thank you!
So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
I am rather new to the Orthodox Anglican form of worship. My journey has wandered through various of the Protestant Christian worship forms for over half a century, from Conservative Baptist, to Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, and numerous independents. I always felt that somehow I needed more--until I stumbled across Saint Augustine's in Bryson City. Fr. Denny, our Rector, has been so very welcoming and has patiently answered my many questions. And while I am new and just learning orthodox liturgy, it resonates deeply within me. Blessing your new home seems a wholly good and righteous thing for a proper priest to do. And I am pretty sure Jesus enjoyed that chocolate cake.
Anita, by your sharing this personal story of your recent house blessing, you invited your readers to peek into the sacred remembrances of God's covenants and His covenantal.promises with Man. You have reminded me of the hope I have through Christ's redemptive work, which I so needed after a major upset, two days ago, with my much younger sister. I can't tell whether she pulled "a David" or I did, or we both did. But today self-condemnation has fully lifted. Your blog is the icing on the cake. Thanks so much!
Love it!
So many times we substitute Christian orthodoxy for Christian convenience…it’s easier to say a quick prayer to God to bless our house and move on with life.
But when we do this we cheat ourselves of the richness of our faith and lose the importance of understanding why we believe what we believe. Reading scripture (God’s promises from ancient times) that align with our prayers provides is powerful and provides the understanding.
That was beautiful Anita! You certainly are eloquent even if you don't think you are. I could picture the blessing and your beautiful home and grounds as you all walked around. It struck a chord with me and I needed that today. Thank you!
So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.
Isaiah 41:10
Wonderful essay, Anita. I wish I'd been there!
I am rather new to the Orthodox Anglican form of worship. My journey has wandered through various of the Protestant Christian worship forms for over half a century, from Conservative Baptist, to Lutheran, Methodist, Presbyterian, and numerous independents. I always felt that somehow I needed more--until I stumbled across Saint Augustine's in Bryson City. Fr. Denny, our Rector, has been so very welcoming and has patiently answered my many questions. And while I am new and just learning orthodox liturgy, it resonates deeply within me. Blessing your new home seems a wholly good and righteous thing for a proper priest to do. And I am pretty sure Jesus enjoyed that chocolate cake.
How precious was that Blessing...Thank you Anita...