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St. Philothea Greek Orthodox Church
Publish Date: 2017-05-07
Bulletin Contents
Message from Father Anthony
Parish News
Saints and Feasts
Assembly of Bishops News
Message From Archbishop Demetrius
Message From Metropolitian Alexios
Gospel and Epistle Readings
Hymns of the Day
Wisdom of the Fathers
Greek Orthodox Archdiocese News
Articles Worth Reading
Bulletin Inserts
Family Life Ministry
Jcparal1
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St. Philothea Greek Orthodox Church

General Information

  • Phone:
  • (770) 725-5035
  • Fax:
  • (866) 646-8396
  • Street Address:

  • 3761 Mars Hill Road

  • Watkinsville, GA 30677

Contact Information

Rosemarie Lieffring
admin

rose@lieffring.com | 7066143544

Services Schedule

Sunday

Orthros/Matins 9 a.m.

Divine Liturgy 10 a.m.

 

Wednesday

Vespers 6 p.m.

 

See our website calendar for a full list of services.

Past Bulletins


Message from Father Anthony

Christ doesn’t interfere with your life, He is your life.

 

This is important to understand otherwise there will be a quiet internal struggle continually taking place in our hearts, and rather than cooperating with the Holy Spirit 24/7 we will be resisting Him and so peace and joy will also evade us.  Paul writes in Galatians 2:20 “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ who lives in me.  The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me. ” This is so because he has completely surrendered and joined himself to Christ.  What Paul says is true in experience.  His agenda is God’s agenda, his purpose is to do the will of God, his suffering at the hands of unbelievers does not nullify God’s presence or purpose it is the price he pays for following Christ. 

Christian identity is at the core of a believers being.  Are we an ‘artist’, engineer, doctor, teacher, mother, father, missionary, evangelist, priest, monk, student?  All of these are incomplete identities based on ‘what we do’.  But Paul states clearly “I belong to Christ”.  That is his identity.  That is who he is.

As we lay down our lives to follow Christ every moment of existence takes on new meaning and a new purpose; everything is within the umbrella of God’s love and care.  That includes our finances, our work, our family life, our ambitions, our investments, our friends, our hobbies, our relaxation, nothing is outside of the sphere of God’s love.  Nothing that is except sin, or darkness, or ‘independence’.  Whatever you want to call it; it is darkness that is shielded from the light of truth and love, which is the only thing that can push back darkness.  Christ presence as ‘Lord of all’ is where we are most alive and most secure.  This does not turn us into fundamentalists, or ‘narrow minded’ it turns us into saints that bring the light and compassion, joy and wisdom of Christ to every situation.  It is what allows us, I would say compels us, to be present in every situation, to be compassionate to those in need, to be wise in our interactions with others, to be merciful and forgiving in a world that has become unhinged.  The recent bombings in churches on Palm Sunday in Egypt are the sort of thing that can give you cause for pause, yet the people of Egypt did not get angry or hateful, they forgave and prayed for their enemies, that those of a mindset to kill them, might know the love of God in their hearts, because if they did they would not do this sort of thing.  No one ever said that following Christ was going to be easy, but it is who we are; it is our identity.  As we said in the title, “Christ doesn’t interfere with your life, He is your life.”  Live that way and your joy will be complete.

Fr. Anthony

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Parish News

Weekday Liturgies

May 10  6:00pm  Liturgy SS Cyril and Methodius

The St. Philothea calendar of events can be found at: Calendar


Congratulations to Our Graduates

PhD

Gregory Baramatzi

Undergraduate

Max Salzman, Stephanos Salzman, Mattie Windham and Tsoler Terzian

High School

Will Threlkeld and Terry Vlahos.


Grief Support

05/01/2017

Grief Support will meet Monday, May 8th at 6:30pm pm.

Grief is difficult, but with support and prayer there is help.  If you find yourself or know someone who is having a difficult time dealing with a loss one, please invite them to attend.

 


OCF News

05/02/2017

Thank you to Mike and Kate McClain for their input all year long with OCF.  Thank you to Mattie Windham who finishes a good year as President and we welcome the new executive officers, Amanda Poroch President, Jacob Sparks Vice President, Elizabeth Mahoney Secretary and Carter Anderson Treasurer.  We will meet over the summer for fellowship and to make plans for next year. 


Adult Religious Education (ARE)

05/02/2017

Tuesday, June 6th Women's Bible Study will take place at 6:30 pm at the home of Nina Lamson.

 


Orthodox Youth Night

05/03/2017

Every Wednesday evening, from 7:00-9:00 pm June and July for 7-12 graders.  Come out for fun projects, bowling, sports, pretzel making, etc. etc. etc.  A great way to stay connected over the summer. 

Vespers is at 6:00 pm.


Spaghetti Dinners

05/04/2017

All spaghetti suppers are from 6 pm - 7:30 pm.  Dinner is $8.00 and includes spaghetti, salad, garlic bread, dessert and drink. 

Thursday, May 4 - The North Georgia BlueGrass Band

Thursday, May 18th -John Jones-Song Stylist (last one of the season)  Let's make the last one the best one.  Come on out and support St Philothea!

Thank you to all those who helped this year!  We appreciate you so much!


Upcoming Greek Festivals

05/05/2017

May 5 - 7, 2017Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church953 Telfair Street
Augusta, Georgia 30901
706.724.1087

May 19-21, 2017

Holy Transfiguration Greek Orthodox Church

3431 Trickum Road
Marietta, Georgia 30066
770.924.8080

More information can be found at: http://mariettagreekfestival.com

Please come and support our sister parish


Sunday School

05/07/2017

End of the Year ceremonies will be May 7 following the Divine Liturgy.


Iconography Workshop

05/08/2017

May 8-12 from 9:00-5:00 pm at St. Philothea 

Go to www.imageandlikenss.com to register


Planned Giving Meeting

05/11/2017

Thursday May 11, 7:00 pm at the church.


Happy Mother's Day

05/14/2017

 Happy Mother’s Day to all the mothers, godmothers and spiritual mothers out there!

Most of all, let’s praise our great and holy mother, the Theotokos, who in Christ is truly our mother and the Mother of the Church!

Thank you for your love and care.


AHEPA Meeting

05/15/2017

AHEPA will meet on Monday, May 15th at 6:00pm at the church.


Mother's Day Out

05/16/2017

Our next meeting will be May 16th, from 10:00 am-1:00 pm. 

Mothers will be able to have time to talk to other mothers as well as enjoy a discussion led by Father Anthony and Pres. Christine.

There will be activities and baby sitters for the children. 

This group is for all mothers with infants, homeschooled children, and children in school. 

Please bring sandwich fixings to share with the group for lunch. 

Contact Laura Stiles if you have questions or would like more information (laura.gstiles@gmail.com).


Parish Council

05/17/2017

The Parish Council will meet on Wednesday, May 31, due to many people traveling on the 17.  Please read chapters 6 and 7 In When the Church was Young.


Community Luncheon

05/18/2017

Covered dish luncheons are held on the 3rd Thursday of each month.  Open to all senior citizens.  Please bring a covered dish to share with your fellow Christians. Time is Noon - 1 pm.

May 18 Bishop Community Center 706-705-1116
     

Spring Cleaning at Church

06/03/2017

Spring Cleaning at St. Philothea Saturday June 3, 2017 from 9:00-1:00 pm to do some freshening up on the inside with painting and cleaning.  Please see Fr. Anthony if you can help


Carrabbas Take Out Food Event

06/04/2017

We have the opportunity for a fundraiser with Carrabbas - Italian Restaurant.  We will be having To-Go-Orders and Tickets will be available for pre-ordering.  Tasty Chicken Marsala, Chicken Marsala with Carrabbas Signature Sauce, Salad, Bread and Iced Tea (a $20 value) - for only $12.50 per plate
Pick up at St. Philothea Greek Orthodox Church.  Barbara Knisely will coordinate a few people to help get the orders out.  Steve Paninos will have the tickets available for ordering.  Please share with your friends and family. 


Vacation Bible School

06/07/2017

June 7-10

Contact Kate McClain to register gillean@bellsouth.net


Nursery Room Schedule

We thank all our nursery room volunteers. Please see PR Christine if you like to be added. Our Nursery Room is constantly growing!

Available from 10:30 until the end of the Liturgy

May 7, 2017   Pam Demos Anna Salzman
May 14, 2017   Tracey O'Malley Tina Paninos
May 21, 2017   Pam Demos Lambrini Cain
May 28, 2017   Ruth Fuzum Stephanie Gavrielides
June 4, 2017   Stephanie Knisely Anna & Max

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Saints and Feasts

Jcparal1
May 07

Sunday of the Paralytic

Close to the Sheep's Gate in Jerusalem, there was a pool, which was called the Sheep's Pool. It had round about it five porches, that is, five sets of pillars supporting a domed roof. Under this roof there lay very many sick people with various maladies, awaiting the moving of the water. The first to step in after the troubling of the water was healed immediately of whatever malady he had.

It was there that the paralytic of today's Gospel way lying, tormented by his infirmity of thirty-eight years. When Christ beheld him, He asked him, "Wilt thou be made whole?" And he answered with a quiet and meek voice, "Sir, I have no man, when the water is troubled, to put me into the pool." The Lord said unto him, "Rise, take up thy bed, and walk." And straightaway the man was made whole and took up his bed. Walking in the presence of all, he departed rejoicing to his own house. According to the expounders of the Gospels, the Lord Jesus healed this paralytic during the days of the Passover, when He had gone to Jerusalem for the Feast, and dwelt there teaching and working miracles. According to Saint John the Evangelist, this miracle took place on the Sabbath.

Constantinegreat
May 07

Commemoration of the Precious Cross that appeared in the sky over Jerusalem in 351 A.D.

On this day in the year 351, not long after Cyril had succeeded Maximus as Archbishop of Jerusalem, during the reign of Constantius, the son of Saint Constantine the Great, on the day of Pentecost, the sign of the Cross appeared over Jerusalem. Saint Cyril, in his letter to the Emperor Constantius, says, "At about the third hour of the day, an enormous Cross, formed of light, appeared in the heaven above holy Golgotha and reaching to the holy Mount of Olives, being seen not by one or two only, but manifest with perfect clarity to the whole multitude of the city; not, as one might suppose, rushing swiftly past in fancy, but seen openly above the earth many hours in plain sight, and overcoming the beams of the sun with its dazzling rays" (PG 33:1 16q).

Allsaint
May 07

Cyril, Archbishop of Jerusalem

Cyrilmethodios
May 11

Methodius & Cyril, Equal-to-the Apostles Illuminators of the Slavs

Born in Thessalonica, Saint Methodius was a military man before becoming a monk on Mount Olympus. His brother Constantine, known as the Philosopher because of his erudition, was Librarian at the Church of the Holy Wisdom in Constantinople; he later became a monk with the name of Cyril. The Emperor Michael sent him with his brother Methodius to the Khazars in response to their petition for teachers to expound to them the Christian Faith. On their way, they stayed in Cherson, where they recovered from the Black Sea the relics of Saint Clement of Rome. Later, they were called by Prince Rostislav of Moravia to instruct his people in the Orthodox Faith (Saint Rostislav died a martyr's death and is celebrated Oct. 15). The Saints devised an alphabet for the Slavs, and used it to translate the Greek books into the language of the people. In their apostolic labours throughout the Balkans, the holy brothers were slandered by certain Germanic bishops who opposed the use of the vernacular in the church services. Summoned to court at Rome in 867, they presented their Slavonic translations to Pope Adrian II, who received them with love and full approval. Two years later, Saint Cyril reposed in Rome on February 14 and was buried in the Church of Saint Clement. Saint Methodius was made Bishop of Moravia, but at the intrigues of certain Latin clergy, was cast into prison by the "Holy Roman Emperor" (the Germanic Emperor of the West), where he was cruelly tormented for some three years. In 874, through the defence of Pope John VIII, he was freed and made Archbishop of Moravia. Because he reproved the lax morals of the German priests in Moravia, he was soon accused of heresy by them, and was forbidden to celebrate the Liturgy in Slavonic. Summoned to Rome again in 879, he was completely exonerated and allowed once again to use the Slavonic tongue for the divine services. He reposed on April 6, 885.

Epiphanius
May 12

Epiphanius, Bishop of Cyprus

Saint Epiphanius was born about 310 in Besanduc, a village of Palestine, of Jewish parents who were poor and tillers of the soil. In his youth he came to faith in Christ and was baptized with his sister, after which he distributed all he had to the poor and became a monk, being a younger contemporary of Saint Hilarion the Great (see Oct. 21), whom he knew. He also visited the renowned monks of Egypt to learn their ways. Because the fame of his virtue had spread, many in Egypt desired to make him a bishop; when he learned of this, he fled, returning to Palestine. But after a time he learned that the bishops there also intended to consecrate him to a widowed bishopric, and he fled to Cyprus. In Paphos he met Saint Hilarion, who told him to go to Constantia, a city of Cyprus also called Salamis. Epiphanius answered that he preferred to take ship for Gaza, which, despite Saint Hilarion's admonitions, he did. But a contrary wind brought the ship to Constantia where, by the providence of God, Epiphanius fell into the hands of bishops who had come together to elect a successor to the newly-departed Bishop of Constantia, and the venerable Epiphanius was at last constrained to be consecrated, about the year 367. He was fluent in Hebrew, Egyptian, Syriac, Greek, and Latin, and because of this he was called "Five-tongued." He had the gift of working miracles, and was held in such reverence by all, that although he was a known enemy of heresy, he was well nigh the only eminent bishop that the Arians did not dare to drive into exile when the Emperor Valens persecuted the Orthodox about the year 371. Having tended his flock in a manner pleasing to God, and guarded it undefiled from every heresy, he reposed about the year 403, having lived for ninety-three years. Among his sacred writings, the one that is held in special esteem is the Panarion (from the Latin Panarium, that is, "Bread-box,") containing the proofs of the truth of the Faith, and an examination of eighty heresies.

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Assembly of Bishops News

Go and Make Disciples: Evangelization and Outreach in US Orthodox Parishes

04/24/2017

http://assemblyofbishops.org/news/2017/evangelization-study-report
The first ever, national study on evangelization and outreach in Orthodox parishes in the United States has been released by the Assembly of Canonical Orthodox Bishops of the USA. The report 'Go and Make Disciples: Evangelization and Outreach in US Orthodox Parishes' explores the practices and strategies developed by some Orthodox parishes that can be viewed as 'exemplary' in their missionary and outreach efforts.

Assembly Chairman's Message for Holy Pascha 2017

04/12/2017

http://assemblyofbishops.org/news/2017/chairmans-message-for-holy-pascha-2017
Pascha 2017 - To the Reverend Priests and Deacons, the Monks and Nuns, the Presidents and Members of Parish Councils, the Day, Afternoon, and Church Schools, the Members of Philanthropic Organizations, the Youth and Youth Workers, and the entire Orthodox Christian Family in the United States of America

Greek Orthodox Archdiocese to Continue Successful Fellowships at the UN

02/07/2017

http://assemblyofbishops.org/news/2017/united-nations-fellowship
The Department of Inter-Orthodox, Ecumenical and Interfaith Relations of the Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America is inviting graduate and recent post-graduate students to apply for its fellowships at the United Nations.
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Message From Metropolitian Alexios

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Gospel and Epistle Readings

Matins Gospel Reading

Fifth Orthros Gospel
The Reading is from Luke 24:13-35

At that time, two of them were going to a village named Emmaus, about seven miles from Jerusalem, and talking with each other about all these things that had happened. While they were talking and discussing together, Jesus himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were kept from recognizing him. And he said to them, "What is this conversation which you are holding with each other as you walk?" And they stood still looking sad. Then one of them, named Cleopas, answered him, "Are you the only visitor to Jerusalem who does not know the things that have happened there in these days?" And he said to them, "What things?" And they said to him, "Concerning Jesus of Nazareth, who was a prophet mighty in deed and word before God and all the people, and how our chief priests and rulers delivered him up to be condemned to death, and crucified him. But we had hoped that he was the one to redeem Israel. Yes, and besides all this, it is now the third day since this happened. Moreover, some women of our company amazed us. They were at the tomb early in the morning and did not find his body; and they came back saying that they had even seen a vision of angels, who said that he was alive. Some of those who were with us went to the tomb, and found it just as the women had said; but him they did not see." And he said to them, "O foolish men, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the prophets, he interpreted to them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.

So they drew near to the village to which they were going. He appeared to be going further, but they constrained him, saying, "Stay with us, for it is toward evening and the day is now far spent." So he went in to stay with them. When he was at table with them, he took the bread and blessed, and broke it, and gave it to them. And their eyes were opened and they recognized him; and he vanished out of their sight. They said to each other, "Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the scriptures?" And they rose that same hour and returned to Jerusalem; and they found the eleven gathered together and those who were with them, who said, "The Lord has risen indeed, and has appeared to Simon!" Then they told what had happened on the road, and how he was known to them in the breaking of the bread.

Epistle Reading

Prokeimenon. Third Mode. Psalm 46.6,1.
Sing praises to our God, sing praises.
Verse: Clap your hands, all you nations.

The reading is from Acts of the Apostles 9:32-42.

IN THOSE DAYS, as Peter went here and there among them all, he came down also to the saints that lived at Lydda. There he found a man named Aeneas, who had been bedridden for eight years and was paralyzed. And Peter said to him, "Aeneas, Jesus Christ heals you; rise and make your bed." And immediately he rose. And all the residents of Lydda and Sharon saw him, and they turned to the Lord. Now there was at Joppa a disciple named Tabitha, which means Dorcas. She was full of good works and acts of charity. In those days she fell sick and died; and when they had washed her, they laid her in an upper room. Since Lydda was near Joppa, the disciples, hearing that Peter was there, sent two men to him entreating him, "Please come to us without delay." So Peter rose and went with them. And when he had come, they took him to the upper room. All the widows stood beside him weeping, and showing tunics and other garments which Dorcas made while she was with them. But Peter put them all outside and knelt down and prayed; then turning to the body he said, "Tabitha, rise." And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up. And he gave her his hand and lifted her up. Then calling the saints and widows he presented her alive. And it became known throughout all Joppa, and many believed in the Lord.

Gospel Reading

Sunday of the Paralytic
The Reading is from John 5:1-15

At that time, Jesus went up to Jerusalem. Now there is in Jerusalem by the Sheep Gate a pool, in Hebrew called Bethesda which has five porticoes. In these lay a multitude of invalids, blind, lame, paralyzed, waiting for the moving of the water; for an angel of the Lord went down at certain seasons into the pool, and troubled the water; whoever stepped in first after the troubling of the water was healed of whatever disease he had. One man was there, who had been ill for thirty-eight years. When Jesus saw him and knew that he had been lying there a long time, he said to him, "Do you want to be healed?" The sick man answered him, "Sir, I have no man to put me into the pool when the water is troubled, and while I am going another steps down before me." Jesus said to him, "Rise, take up your pallet, and walk." And at once the man was healed, and he took up his pallet and walked.

Now that day was the sabbath. So the Jews said to the man who was cured, "It is the sabbath, it is not lawful for you to carry your pallet." But he answered them, "The man who healed me said to me, 'Take up your pallet, and walk.' "They asked him, "Who is the man who said to you, 'Take up your pallet, and walk'?" Now the man who had been healed did not know who it was, for Jesus had withdrawn, as there was a crowd in the place. Afterward, Jesus found him in the temple, and said to him, "See, you are well! Sin no more, that nothing worse befall you." The man went away and told the Jews that it was Jesus who had healed him.

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Hymns of the Day

Apolytikion of Great and Holy Pascha in the Plagal First Mode

Christ is risen from the dead, by death, trampling down upon death, and to those in the tombs He has granted life.

Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Greek Orthodox Archdiocese of America


Resurrectional Apolytikion in the Third Mode

Let the Heavens rejoice; let earthly things be glad; for the Lord hath wrought might with His arm, He hath trampled upon death by death. The first-born of the dead hath He become. From the belly of Hades hath He delivered us, and hath granted great mercy to the world.

Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Holy Transfiguration Monastery - Brookline, MA


Apolytikion for the Church in the First Mode

The famed city of Athens doth honour Philothea, the righteous Martyr, whose relics it now revereth with joy; for while living in sobriety and holiness, she hath exchanged all earthly things for the everlasting life through great contests as a Martyr; and she entreateth the Saviour to grant His mercy unto all of us.


Seasonal Kontakion in the Plagal Fourth Mode

Though You went down into the tomb, You destroyed Hades' power, and You rose the victor, Christ God, saying to the myrrh-bearing women, "Hail!" and granting peace to Your disciples, You who raise up the fallen.

Reading is under copyright and is used with permission, all rights reserved by: Narthex Press - Northridge, CA


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Wisdom of the Fathers

For where tears are-- or rather, where miracles are, there tears ought not to be; not where such a mystery is celebrating. Hear, I beseech you: although somewhat of the like kind does not take place now, yet in the case of our dead likewise, a great mystery is celebrating. Say, if as we sit together, the Emperor were to send and invite some one of us to the palace, would it be right, I ask, to weep and mourn? Angels are present, commissioned from heaven and come from thence, sent from the King Himself to call their fellow servant, and say, dost thou weep? Knowest thou not what a mystery it is that is taking place, how awful, how dread, and worthy indeed of hymns and lauds? Wouldest thou learn, that thou mayest know, that this is no time for tears? For it is a very great mystery of the Wisdom of God. As if leaving her dwelling, the soul goes forth, speeding on her way to her own Lord, and dost thou mourn? Why then, thou shouldst do this on the birth of a child: for this in fact is also a birth, and a better than that.
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 21 on Acts 9, 4th Century

In that case [Matt 9:2] there was remission of sins, (for He said, "Thy sins be forgiven thee,") but in this, warning and threats to strengthen the man for the future; "Sin no more, lest a worse thing come unto you."
St. John Chrysostom
Homily 37 on John 1, 4th Century

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Articles Worth Reading

Guarding our Attitude

03/27/2017

Guarding Our Attitude

March 27, 2017 · Abbot Tryphon

Negativity does damage to the soul

“For the thing which I greatly feared is come upon me, and that which I was afraid of is come unto me (Job 3:25).”

CONTINUE READING


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Bulletin Inserts

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Family Life Ministry

One Good Thought: Hope in Times of Sorrow

March 28, 2017 | Filed under: What's New!

“O Lord of Hosts, be with us for we have none other hope in times of sorrow but Thee….” Great Compline Service  

I love the Lenten Great Compline service (which includes the scriptures quoted in this post), because it reminds me that even when I feel deep sorrow-when I might feel there is no hope- I’m not alone in feeling that way (obviously lots of others needed this service too through the centuries) and I’m not actually without hope.

Sometimes we solve problems by asking a friend, calling mom, or hiring a plumber, but then there are those other problems-the ones that aren’t fixable, when no one can comfort us much, and no one can make our sorrow go away. The ones you’re thinking about right now that you might not even want to think about, that cause others to feel sad for you, or that make you feel so alone. These problems show us how much we need God and give us a glimpse of how fragile and broken this life is.

“For the enemy hath persecuted my soul; he hath humbled my life down to the earth. He hath sat me in darkness as those that have been long dead, and my spirit within me is become despondent; within me my heart is troubled.” Psalm 142

True, there is no magic wand that’ll make problems go away. Some of my sorrows will accompany me for life. I may not get the answer I want to my prayers, in fact I’m not sure I ever do, but this hope transcends problems.

“O Lord, hear my prayer, and let my cry come unto Thee. Turn not Thy face away from me; in the day when I am afflicted, incline Thine ear unto me.” Psalm 101

God hears all our petitions, even when we think He’s not listening. God is with us in the hard times and in our commonplace problems- even when the solution comes from asking mom. Faith grows out of perseverance, not out of easily answered prayers. It can be hard to perceive His presence, but He is with us. Sorrow is universal, but so is God’s faithfulness and mercy.

“Therefore hast Thou heard the voice of my supplication when I cried unto Thee. O love ye the Lord, all ye His saints, for the Lord requireth truth; and unto them that act with exceeding pride, He rendereth them their due. Be ye courageous, and let your heart be strengthened, all ye that hope in the Lord.” Psalm 30

We have Hope in times of sorrow because God is merciful and He is near the broken hearted. He comforts those who mourn and His mercy and lovingkindness last forever. His comfort comes in surprising and often subtle ways, but it is there when we turn to Him.

We have hope: God is with us. In His mercy, God blesses us in times of joy and comforts us in times of sorrow. His love endures beyond the problems of this life and in eternity we’ll be delivered from grief and sorrow. Our challenge is to have faith despite our current circumstances, to notice and repent when we’re off the path, to remember others who have been faithful and be like them, to trust in His loving mercy, to endure, and sometimes to creatively thrive in times of sorrow.

“He that dwelleth in the help of the Most High shall abide in the shelter of the God of Heaven. He shall say unto the Lord: Thou art my helper and my refuge. He is my God, and I will hope in Him. For He shall deliver thee from the snare of the hunters and from every troubling word. With His shoulders will He overshadow thee, and under His wings shalt thou have hope. With a shield will His truth encompass thee; thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night, nor for the arrow that flieth by day, nor for the thing that walketh in darkness, nor for the mishap and demon of noonday.” Psalm 90

Lord, help me to have hope under Your wing.

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