tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23527549391487719832024-03-04T22:36:19.349-08:00Chrisha's MusingsChristiana:http://www.blogger.com/profile/10741737101703980941noreply@blogger.comBlogger21125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352754939148771983.post-47493048611046426932009-03-16T18:08:00.000-07:002009-03-16T18:15:23.376-07:00An Old Fashioned Diet<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d9/William_Banting.png"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 175px; height: 261px;" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/d/d9/William_Banting.png" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />I found this old writing by a man named William Banting. He lived in the 19th century, and suffered with obesity. His article is probably one of the first records of someone losing weight in modern Western society using a low-carb approach. It's so interesting to read how he dieted and lost his weight. I found this pamphlet sweet and endearing. Old men are cute anyway, but old men from the 1800's... ADORABLE!!! Enjoy!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.zerocarbage.com/library/banting.pdf">On Corpulence by William Banting</a>Christiana:http://www.blogger.com/profile/10741737101703980941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352754939148771983.post-874997360839584472009-02-19T20:40:00.000-08:002009-02-19T20:46:38.303-08:00Children Learn What They LiveMy mom has a little laminated card on our fridge. On it is this poem:<br /><br />Children Learn What They Live:<br />If a child lives with criticism, <br />He learns to condemn.<br />If a child lives with hostility,<br />He learns to fight.<br />If a child lives with ridicule,<br />He learns to be shy.<br />If a child lives with shame,<br />He learns to feel guilty. <br />If a child lives with tolerance,<br />He learns to be patient.<br />If a child lives with encouragement,<br />He learns confidence.<br />If a child lives with praise,<br />He learns to appreciate.<br />If a child lives with fairness,<br />He learns justice.<br />If a child lives with security,<br />He learns to have faith.<br />If a child lives with approval,<br />He learns to like himself.<br />If a child lives with acceptance and friendship,<br />He learns to find love in the world.<br /><br />Have a wonderful weekend! :)Christiana:http://www.blogger.com/profile/10741737101703980941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352754939148771983.post-57261557393163129062009-02-08T20:13:00.000-08:002009-02-08T20:25:42.240-08:00Lessons to be Learned...When I was little and had made a mistake, the first person I would always run to would be my mom. I knew that her love for me was completely unconditional, and that no matter what I had done she would help, guide, and teach me to make things right again. In fact, there was a song that she would always sing to us kids when we had done something wrong, had taken ownership of our mistake and were truly repentant. Here's how the song went:<br /><br />Take three steps forward and one step back, and you've made a little progress.<br />Take three steps forward and one step back, and you've started on your way<br />Take three steps forward and one step back, then one great leap ahead.<br />Now look around see how far you've come; it's hard to believe where you've begun.<br />Take three more steps plus an extra one.<br />And you've come a long, long way!<br /><br />This song has been so helpful to me as I've grown and changed and made many, many mistakes over my teenage years. This song is especially helpful to me now. I want my body to react to things in the "normal" way, and it's just not happening. I think that especially when I was in Denver it was difficult, because FOR GOODNESS SAKE THESE PEOPLE ARE RELATED TO ME, and yet I'm so different. <br /><br />I need to learn to accept me for who I am, with all my short comings, and weird health things, and everything...and try to be happy with that person. It's a long and arduous journey with many steps forward and backward, but I know that God will be with me along the way, and with the support of my incredible family and friends I can do it. <br /><br />So, I've just experienced a few steps back, but as Anne of Green Gables says: Tomorrow is a new day, with no mistakes in it. God willing, tomorrow I will take a step in the right direction!<br /><br />Here's to tomorrow!! :)Christiana:http://www.blogger.com/profile/10741737101703980941noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352754939148771983.post-80410916214847864712009-02-07T08:50:00.000-08:002009-02-07T09:00:42.993-08:00Baby StepsBoy oh boy! Isn't life just crazy sometimes? Phew. I feel like this is one of the first moments in a long time that I have just been able to breaaaaaaaaathe. <br /><br />School has just been insane. Because of my unexpected trip to Denver and my over-achieving, I can take on anything attitude, I gave myself a course load in school that was just too much for me. School has consumed my life in the past few weeks. Generally when this type of thing happens EVERYTHING falls by the way side-- relationships, health, piano, exercise, emotional stability, sleep-- and I would look and feel like a total mess. I think, however, I am finally beginning to grow up and learn and change, and it is so wonderful. Although most things have been neglected, the most important things have not. Sure, exercise, piano, sleep, and an obsessive conscientiousness over what I eat have not been as consistent lately, but I have not taken out all my feelings of stress and anxiety on the people that love me most. <br /><br />I am so thankful to God that He forgives and allows us to repent. There are still sooo, so, sooooo many things I need to work on, but it's encouraging to see a little improvement!Christiana:http://www.blogger.com/profile/10741737101703980941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352754939148771983.post-60791947900315562202009-01-25T18:14:00.001-08:002009-01-25T20:41:10.562-08:00Menu Plan Monday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5De1qF9EbkfoyyeNK07f_tiW-suL4LIoQldvBZykwL-9LCsHFgCgUxVf0Lze6K49iowTcQwboGHLbEEGRHpzSWE3_C69rcziQGKemGv90jzuQNJDjybSiruIkalklHNjBygDsjQamc0s/s1600-h/Menu+Plan+Monday"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 87px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq5De1qF9EbkfoyyeNK07f_tiW-suL4LIoQldvBZykwL-9LCsHFgCgUxVf0Lze6K49iowTcQwboGHLbEEGRHpzSWE3_C69rcziQGKemGv90jzuQNJDjybSiruIkalklHNjBygDsjQamc0s/s200/Menu+Plan+Monday" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5295436121529154594" /></a><br /><br /><br />What an insanely crazy month it has been!! My parents were out of town for two weeks, my grandmother passed away and i was out of town for five days, my mom is gone this weekend, my parents are leading a marriage retreat in two weekends, I am behind.. waayyy behind in schoolwork.. does the list ever end? <br /><br />The good news is *drumroll please* our wonderful, grassfed cow arrived early this week, and now I have plenty of yummy, nourishing, nutrient dense meat at my disposal. This is a huge load off my mind. We usually receive our cow in September, and had run out of beef in July.. needless to say I was paying exorbitant amounts for my meat, and am so glad to once again have a freezer stalked with affordable, pastured meat. <br /><br />My eating plan is going pretty well. I have messed up a couple time, but I'm doing okay, and beginning to feel a bit better. I hope it lasts!! I'm running dangerously low on veggies this week, but I really want to use up what I have before I make a veggie run. <br /><br />SO.. my plan for this week is:<br /><br />TO DO: Cook Ground beef<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Monday</span>:<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Breakfast</span>-leftover steak<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Lunch</span>-ground beef and green bell pepper<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Dinner</span>-ground beef, celery, and cucumbers<br /><br />TO DO: Cook Turkey<br />Defrost Roast<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Tuesday</span>:<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Breakfast</span>-ground beef<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Lunch</span>-turkey, cucumber<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Dinner</span>-Roast, mixed veggie salad<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Wednesday</span>:<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Breakfast</span>-eggs<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Lunch</span>-Roast, tomato<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Dinner</span>-ground beef, bell pepper, onion<br /><br />TO DO: Take out Pork Chop<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Thursday</span>:<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Breakfast</span>-ground beef<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Lunch</span>-Roast, cucumber<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Dinner</span>-Pork Chop, mixed salad<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Friday</span>: <br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Breakfast</span>- eggs<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Lunch</span>- leftover Pork Chop, leftover salad<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Dinner</span>-Shrimp, homemade salsa<br /><br />TO DO: Cook Ground Beef<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Saturday</span>:<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Brunch</span>-Ground beef, celery<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Dinner</span>- Salmon, onion, celery<br /><br />TO DO: Take out Roast<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">Sunday</span>:<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Brunch</span>: Ground beef, bell pepper<br /><span style="font-style:italic;">Dinner</span>: Roast, mixed salad<br /><br />For more menu planning ideas visit <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/">Organizing Junkie</a>Christiana:http://www.blogger.com/profile/10741737101703980941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352754939148771983.post-7528935404272033942009-01-13T17:18:00.000-08:002009-01-13T17:33:22.788-08:00NEW BOOK!!!!!I finally got <a href="http://www.westonaprice.org/">Dr. Weston Price's</a> Nutrition and Physical Regeneration!! I am so excited!! I will be reading and sharing my findings with you. YAY!!! :)Christiana:http://www.blogger.com/profile/10741737101703980941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352754939148771983.post-39235392494226953982009-01-12T09:18:00.000-08:002009-01-12T09:29:20.660-08:00I like blogging...I've decided that I really like this whole blogging adventure. Even if I am the only person to ever read a word written in this blog... I like knowing that I am proclaiming my goals, struggles, and anticipations to the world. It keeps me accountable. Anyway, I just thought I'd throw that out there...Christiana:http://www.blogger.com/profile/10741737101703980941noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352754939148771983.post-42975415194995289332009-01-11T21:53:00.000-08:002009-01-11T22:08:52.019-08:00Menu Plan Monday<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PAIlDC-YXM9kjwM2CKShEmZEbHnSdsBuAbOsGVza_tecv6lUA7HQObBLyVnLkyghBtgoVAkgfMmGSI24JtihKf-gBz5-cz-yG4TPCOew3swor5-0McGsALLCSNFX8Evt7xns2XrtBNn9/s1600-h/Menu+Plan+Monday"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 200px; height: 87px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PAIlDC-YXM9kjwM2CKShEmZEbHnSdsBuAbOsGVza_tecv6lUA7HQObBLyVnLkyghBtgoVAkgfMmGSI24JtihKf-gBz5-cz-yG4TPCOew3swor5-0McGsALLCSNFX8Evt7xns2XrtBNn9/s200/Menu+Plan+Monday" border="0" alt=""id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5290285253484492834" /></a><br /><br />This week's meals are going to have to be fairly flexible. I will be leaving Wednesday evening to go to Colorado to attend my grandmother's funeral. Due to my strict dietary restrictions, I will be cooking my own food in Denver and not eating at any of the restaurants... of course, I know that there will be situations out of my control and I will just have to go with the flow. <br /><br />I am really going to try utilizing leftover meat and veggies and working very hard on not cooking anything new unnecessarily, since I will be gone for almost five days. <br /><br /><br />MONDAY<br />Breakfast: eggs fried in a little lard<br />Lunch: Grass-fed ground beef and carrot sticks<br />Dinner: Grass-fed lamb, green beans, and onions sauteed in a tomato sauce<br /><br />TUESDAY<br />Breakfast: eggs<br />Lunch: Leftover Lamb and green beans<br />Dinner: Ground Beef, steamed Broccoli <br /><br />WEDNESDAY<br />Breakfast: beef patty<br />Lunch: Leftover beef, tomato <br />Dinner: Turkey Leg, sauteed zucchini <br /><br />THURSDAY: IN DENVER<br /><br />FRIDAY: IN DENVER<br /><br />SATURDAY: IN DENVER<br /><br />SUNDAY: IN DENVER<br /><br />For more MENU PLAN MONDAY ideas, visit <a href="http://orgjunkie.com/">Organizing Junkie</a>Christiana:http://www.blogger.com/profile/10741737101703980941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352754939148771983.post-77617007310649936132009-01-10T11:39:00.000-08:002009-01-10T11:52:47.594-08:00Glory to Your Holy Resurrection O Lord...<span style="font-style:italic;">Christ is Risen from the Dead<br />Trampling Down Death by Death<br />And upon those in the Tombs Bestowing Life<br /><br />Jesus having Risen from the Grave as He Foretold<br />Has Bestowed on us Eternal Life<br />And Great Mercy</span><br /><br />These words from the Orthodox Easter service are so comforting. Christ rose and trampled down Hades so that those who die can be with Him forever. <br /><br />My Yiayia died two days ago... on January 8, 2009... Here is a letter sent by my dad; he explains things much more eloquently than I ever could:<br /><span style="font-style:italic;"><br /><br />Dear Parishoners of St. John the Baptist,<br /><br />As many of you know, I had to travel unexpectedly the day after Christmas, to Phoenix, Arizona because my mother became gravely ill. By the time I arrived she was already in intensive care at Banner Desert Hospital in Mesa, Arizona. She was unable to talk, unable to swallow, confused and greatly weakened on her right side. There was no diagnosis and her condition was critical. She underwent every conceivable test, but after two weeks the hospital could not determine what was wrong with my mother. Therefore we transferred her to Barrow Neurological Institute, one of the world’s top neurological hospitals, located in Phoenix, where she underwent many other tests. Finally on Wednesday afternoon, January 7th, she was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma of the spinal cord and brain. Although treatable in many patients, my mom’s condition was too advanced and her body too weakened to receive treatment, so on Thursday morning, January 8th, the family decided to not pursue treatment and to transfer her to a hospice facility and place her in the hands of God. She fell asleep in the Lord at 8:10 on that same Thursday evening surrounded by her husband of 50 years and her children. She died peacefully and surrounded by love and prayer. My family thanks all of you for your prayers, your love, support and patience with my prolonged absence. We could tangibly feel your love and prayers as we were taking care of my mom and desperately trying to find out what was afflicting her. It’s been a difficult journey for all of my family, but we are thankful to God for a beautiful life with such a great woman. Although my mom passed away very quickly, God was merciful to her in that she was able to say goodbye to her husband and her children. She did not suffer too long or with great pain. She fell asleep surrounded by her loved ones and with the prayers of the Church.<br /><br /> <br /><br />My mom’s funeral will be held at Assumption Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Denver at the end of this next week. Her wishes were that donations be made to St. John the Baptist Greek Orthodox Church for a liturgical item that her son could use in her memory.<br /><br />In Christ,<br /><br />Father Theodore</span>Christiana:http://www.blogger.com/profile/10741737101703980941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352754939148771983.post-50751242127714143782009-01-06T20:29:00.000-08:002009-01-06T20:33:11.991-08:00Tuesday Quote of the Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://www.dazee.com/Secret/heartgate3.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 320px; height: 326px;" src="http://www.dazee.com/Secret/heartgate3.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br />"One of the new things people began to find out in the last century was that thoughts--just mere thoughts--are as powerful as electric batteries--as good for one as sunlight is, or as bad for one as poison." (The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett)<br /><br />I know that I always have to remember that I have the ability to swat away thoughts as I would a fly... remembering that what is allowed into the mind, will enter the heart. <br /><br />Hope you're having a blessed Tuesday. :)Christiana:http://www.blogger.com/profile/10741737101703980941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352754939148771983.post-50525282427463827902009-01-02T15:43:00.000-08:002009-01-02T16:35:16.695-08:00Nourishing Resolution: Listening to my Body<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://graphics.boston.com/resize/bonzai-fba/Globe_Photo/2008/01/14/1200361336_4363/539w.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 539px; height: 341px;" src="http://graphics.boston.com/resize/bonzai-fba/Globe_Photo/2008/01/14/1200361336_4363/539w.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br /><br />Alright, this is going to be a year of learning, experimenting, and God-willing, figuring out what it is my body needs and how I can fulfill those needs. My body is very interesting in the foods that it can tolerate. I often joke that my body is incapable of adapting to a western diet, but I now believe that it is no joke, but that I am blessed in the fact that I cannot eat the foods that are silently killing western civilization. So, I have tried "jumping into" the <a href="http://www.westonaprice.org/">Weston Price</a> way of eating, but have discovered that even eating "nourishing foods" make me sick. Baby steps are necessary for my body to slowly heal. I tried drinking Kefir and Beet Kvass and eating butter and other nutrient dense foods/drinks, but my body isn't responding well. So, I will begin by only feeding my body what I know it likes, and slowly over the months introducing other nourishing foods into my diet. The key however, is to go SLOWLY.<br /><br />As of now, my body best responds to the following foods in small quantities (that is another interesting fact about my body... it can only take very small portions)<br /><br />So, here are the foods I feel best eating:<br /><br />Turkey<br />Beef<br />Lamb<br />Pork<br />Crab<br />Halibut<br />Salmon<br />Shrimp<br />Swordfish<br />Eggs (in small quantities) <br /><br />Artichoke<br />Egg Plan<br />Green Beans<br />Asparagus<br />Carrots<br />Broccoli <br />Cauliflower <br />Lemons<br />Tomatoes <br />Radishes<br />Onion<br />Zucchini <br /><br />I know this sounds utterly ridiculous, but honestly.. these are the only foods that I eat that do not make me sick. So, we will begin with these foods and slowly (God-willing) build up.<br /><br />To give an example of how I eat these things in the most nourishing way possible today's menu will be:<br /><br />Breakfast:<br />2 soft boiled eggs<br /><br />Lunch:<br />Ground Lamb<br />Onions sauteed in the lamb fat<br /><br />Dinner:<br />Pork Chop<br />Grilled Zucchini<br />Green BeansChristiana:http://www.blogger.com/profile/10741737101703980941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352754939148771983.post-34557825891379118272009-01-01T17:36:00.000-08:002009-01-01T19:01:37.540-08:00New Year's Resolutions<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://thearroyoseco.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/fireworks.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 1280px; height: 1024px;" src="http://thearroyoseco.files.wordpress.com/2008/06/fireworks.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />Happy New Year!! It's hard to believe that 2008 has come to a close. It was quite a year of struggle, hurt, learning, and hopefully growth. Generally speaking I do not make New Year's resolutions, but 2008 was quite a tumultuous and even traumatic year for me, and I am hoping and praying that 2009 is a year of recovery and healing. <br /><br />Ergo, I have a few things I would like to accomplish in 2009.<br /><br />More closely follow the dietary revelations of <a href="http://www.westonaprice.org/"><span style="font-weight:bold;">Dr. Weston A. Price</span></a>. I have read Nourishing Traditions by Sally Fallon a few times through, and have followed Dr. Price's recommendations rather loosely, but with the support of my ever loving mother I am ready to adhere to a more traditional style of eating as best I can. <br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">I really want to exercise six days a week</span>. The great thing about the first six months of 2008 was that I had the time to walk 8 miles a day. Although those 8 miles will probably not be very attainable in this new and busy year, I loved how it felt being outside and moving my body every day and I want to get back into that. <br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />I would really like to get a 4.0 in school this year</span>. I think that with hard work and perseverance this will be possible.<br /><span style="font-weight:bold;"><br />I want to be more proficient in singing</span>, both Byzantine and Western. I've loved singing my whole life and I want to keep working and improving.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">I want to play the piano for at least 45 minutes a day</span>. I took lesson for 13 years and always found time to practice, and I want to get back into that.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight:bold;">I want to read more spiritual books.</span> It seems I always have time to read for pleasure and homework, but I don't make enough time to read for the nourishment of my soul. <br /><br />Last, but most certainly not least, <span style="font-weight:bold;">I want to pray more.</span> I make the time to cultivate relationships with friends and family members, but I sometimes forget to even say "hello" to the person who loves me the most... even more than I could ever imagine. <br /><br />So, that's it for 2009. It's a long list, but these are all things that are very important to me and I am ready to embark on this journey. I cannot wait to see what 2009 has in story for me!<br /><br />Happy New Year! Kali Xronia kai Xronia Polla!!!Christiana:http://www.blogger.com/profile/10741737101703980941noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352754939148771983.post-79297931955885290512008-12-30T13:39:00.001-08:002008-12-30T13:43:39.560-08:00Tuesdays Quote of the Day<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0553213148.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg"><img style="display:block; margin:0px auto 10px; text-align:center;cursor:pointer; cursor:hand;width: 287px; height: 475px;" src="http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0553213148.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg" border="0" alt="" /></a><br /><br /><br />Today's quote is from one of my favorite literature series. I love it when fiction works mirror our own Christian values in a clever and pithy fashion. So... from Anne of Avonlea by Lucy Maud Montgomery:<br /><br />We must have ideals and try to live up to them, even if we never quite succeed. Life would be a sorry business without them. With them it's grand and great.Christiana:http://www.blogger.com/profile/10741737101703980941noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352754939148771983.post-91189934284271017562008-12-29T12:47:00.000-08:002008-12-29T12:59:15.580-08:00My Yiayia..Wow. well, what a Christmas 2008 it has been! My yiayia has now been in the ICU for one week. The doctors still don't know what she has. They think it might be cancer, but they are afraid that if they put her under anesthesia for a biopsy she won't wake up. My parents are in Arizona with her, and they say that she is doing the same. She's had some good days (and some bad days.. yesterday she introduced her daughter, my Aunt Susie, as her niece Stacey), but really no change. It's crazy to think that she might be dying. She took care of me while I lived with her most of 2008... to think that 2009 she might not even be with us. I know i shouldn't be thinking these thoughts, but...<br /><br />Please pray for her.Christiana:http://www.blogger.com/profile/10741737101703980941noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352754939148771983.post-85664971195378178942008-12-18T00:37:00.000-08:002008-12-18T00:46:19.451-08:00Dealing with AnnoyancesThis evening I had the most wonderful conversation with my dad. I have been struggling with this one person for a while now, and I am just having a really hard time loving them and accepting them for who they are, with no judgments, no pre-conditions, nothing. So, my dad gave me the whole you can only change yourself shpeal... which is <span style="font-style:italic;">so</span> helpful, but then he said something that really struck me as kind of amazing advice. I had asked, so what do i do tonight when this person annoys me; do i ignore them... what? He just looked at me and he said: see every "annoyance" as your fault.. of course I retorted: but it's not my fault.. and he said: of course it is, the fact that you can be annoyed is a reflection of your own sinfulness, your own passions, your need for repentance. <br /><br />I just thought that was so helpful. Just think of every annoyance as your own fault. Genius!! I always wonder how one can learn to be humble.. it seems that if you can stop blaming other people and start blaming yourself you are well on the road toward humility. Anyway, just thought i'd share! :)Christiana:http://www.blogger.com/profile/10741737101703980941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352754939148771983.post-49755184579361246372008-12-16T12:24:00.000-08:002008-12-16T12:26:01.505-08:00Tuesday Quotation of the DayOne kind word can warm three winter months-- Japanese Proverb<br /><br />Speak sweetly today!! :)Christiana:http://www.blogger.com/profile/10741737101703980941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352754939148771983.post-23115965866676638662008-12-15T19:07:00.000-08:002008-12-15T19:10:01.487-08:00Snow and Stock Day!Mmmmm... there's snow on the ground, a fire crackling, and stock simmering... could there be anything better??Christiana:http://www.blogger.com/profile/10741737101703980941noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352754939148771983.post-35375937771566882992008-12-13T09:32:00.000-08:002008-12-13T11:30:12.376-08:00It's the Happiest Season of All!!!!!!Wow. What a blessed time this Advent season has been for me thus far. I have been incredibly busy, tired, and at times absolutely overwhelmed, but the peace and joy of the season and the grace of God have helped me through it. <br /><br />I have been really struggling with my insane dietary limitations (full story to come), especially with all the fast and feast days we are blessed to enjoy as Orthodox Christians, but I think that it has really helped me realize what the point of all this fasting and feasting is. It has taught me to lean more on God; I have no other choice, and in my struggles I am learning how absolutely helpless I am on my own. <br /><br />Finals are at last completed!!! Wohoooo... I am done with school until 2009. My chemistry final was quite disastrous, which is a real bummer because I enjoy the class so much. <br /><br />My last huge responsibility is the Christmas program at church. I have been a little stressed out about it. The production turned out to be more challenging than I originally anticipated, but I pray it goes smoothly. <br /><br />On a different subject, I just got back from Anthony's first basketball game this season!!! SO CUTE!!! He scored 8 points, blocked 2 shots, set an awesome pick, and had a great time!!! <br /><br />Until Next Time...Christiana:http://www.blogger.com/profile/10741737101703980941noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352754939148771983.post-91934936723657730782008-12-01T20:29:00.000-08:002008-12-01T20:45:36.299-08:00Monday, Monday... so good to meToday was such a beautiful day! On Mondays and Wednesdays, my mom's and I are both downtown for the day-- her at work, me at school. So instead of wasting gas, we get to carpool on those two days. It's so wonderful! I wake up early with my mom and we head out the door at 6:45. It's so nice to leave the house that early. The air smells like rain, everything is quiet, damp and dark. I love it!! This early morning time is also great one-on-one time with my mom. With our busy schedules a day can easily pass us by without our even seeing each other. It's so nice to have a half hour of uninterrupted "catching up" time.<br /><br />Another great thing about carpooling with my mom to school/work twice a week is it gives me an opportunity to explore Portland. I generally get out of school about an hour and a half earlier than my mom. I love it, because I take the street car to an interesting looking stop downtown, get off and explore for a good hour before I hop back on the street car, get off at Everett and walk the seven blocks to my mom's work. Portland's beauty and delightful uniqueness never ceases to amaze me!<br /><br />Anywho.. I suppose there was nothing special about today.. I just really enjoyed it. Hopefully Tuesday is just as great!Christiana:http://www.blogger.com/profile/10741737101703980941noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352754939148771983.post-8159697901872323032008-11-30T00:10:00.000-08:002008-11-30T00:18:34.454-08:00Filters...Is anyone else on the lookout for filters? I already have a bunch... filters for my coffee, water, swimming pool, etc., but I seem to be missing the most important filter... a filter for my mouth!!! Seriously... it's a huge problem. I totally speak without thinking... like ALL THE TIME!! It seems the second my foot comes out of my mouth from one mistake... I make another... and the foot goes right back in.<br /><br />So... what am I doing about it? To be honest... not a whole lot. Every morning I wake up deciding to take a vow of silence, but if you know me you know that vow has yet to stick. So, I need to think of more practical, doable things... baby steps. Does anyone else struggle with this lack of filter problem... and if so where can I find one?Christiana:http://www.blogger.com/profile/10741737101703980941noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2352754939148771983.post-5397025369788094682008-11-28T17:28:00.000-08:002008-11-28T17:32:13.678-08:00Let the blogging begin...Alright... well everyone in the world seems to have their own blogs these days, so I thought I would join the blogging community. It has really been a whirlwind year and a half; I have learned so much and have tons and tons of lessons yet to learn. This seems like a nice way to share the happenings of my life with loved ones near and far. I have no clue what to call this blog... so please share any suggestions!Christiana:http://www.blogger.com/profile/10741737101703980941noreply@blogger.com0