Timon
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« on: May 21, 2012, 12:07:18 PM » |
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I have the opportunity to become a catechumen this Sunday. I am very excited, but slightly nervous too as I think my wife is a little bit hesitant regarding my decision. As I mentioned in the other thread, she is only worried about dealing with our future children if she were to choose not to become Orthodox. Other than that, she seems fine.
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Even if we have thousands of acts of great virtue to our credit, our confidence in being heard must be based on God's mercy and His love for men. Even if we stand at the very summit of virtue, it is by mercy that we shall be saved. — Chrysostom BLOG |
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Cognomen
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« Reply #1 on: May 21, 2012, 12:12:09 PM » |
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Glory to God.
Pleased to see this, Timon, and I hope, in time, the family issues sort themselves well.
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"Paint a bunch of icons of our Lord and the saints and then kiss them. Also, pray to Mary after she dies in the future."
~ The Epistle of St. Paul to the Antiochians, 46 AD.
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Big Chris
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« Reply #2 on: May 21, 2012, 12:17:39 PM » |
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Congratulations!  The continual guidance of the holy Spirit will continue to direct things between you and your wife. I say this because it's the only way I am capable of getting through my own situation: surrender. |
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Tasting is Believing
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elephant
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« Reply #3 on: May 21, 2012, 12:20:38 PM » |
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Dear Timon,
That's good news.
Lord Have Mercy!
love, elephant
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Timon
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« Reply #4 on: May 21, 2012, 01:58:44 PM » |
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Thanks everyone!
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Even if we have thousands of acts of great virtue to our credit, our confidence in being heard must be based on God's mercy and His love for men. Even if we stand at the very summit of virtue, it is by mercy that we shall be saved. — Chrysostom BLOG |
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katherineofdixie
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« Reply #5 on: May 21, 2012, 03:06:57 PM » |
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Congratulations! I hope it doesn't take you as long as it did me, and I pray that your wife will feel at home soon.
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"If but ten of us lead a holy life, we shall kindle a fire which shall light up the entire city."
St. John Chrysostom
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Timon
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« Reply #6 on: May 21, 2012, 03:11:39 PM » |
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I have to admit that its a little hard to go through with something when I know shes having a hard time with it. weve talked a lot about the Church over the last year, but now that I am actually becoming a catechumen, it seems like its actually starting to feel real to her. Im going to talk to her some more this week. I may talk to the priest about moving it back a week or two. Not sure yet.
I hope im not sounding lame. I feel 100% ready to join the church, but i dont want to hurt my wife either. it shouldnt make a huge difference as i have been going to church there regularly anyways. whats the difference if i technically become a member? just continue to pray for me and pray for her!
thanks again everyone.
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Even if we have thousands of acts of great virtue to our credit, our confidence in being heard must be based on God's mercy and His love for men. Even if we stand at the very summit of virtue, it is by mercy that we shall be saved. — Chrysostom BLOG |
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Big Chris
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« Reply #7 on: May 21, 2012, 03:29:30 PM » |
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Timon,
I share your concern, friend! However, while my fiance has expressed some interest in eventually becoming Orthodox, there's the big question of how far off "eventually" could be. She's never around on Sunday for Divine Liturgy, much less for the evening inquiry/catechumen classes. She's not even around to talk about "eventually" joining the catechumenate with the priest. (Some days I wonder if she even exists.) As a result, my ability to follow through with joining the catechumenate continues to be delayed. The priest would like to receive us both into the catechumenate at the same time, which I can understand. I am going to see how things progress this summer before freaking out.
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Tasting is Believing
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katherineofdixie
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« Reply #8 on: May 21, 2012, 03:39:15 PM » |
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I have to admit that its a little hard to go through with something when I know shes having a hard time with it. weve talked a lot about the Church over the last year, but now that I am actually becoming a catechumen, it seems like its actually starting to feel real to her. Im going to talk to her some more this week. I may talk to the priest about moving it back a week or two. Not sure yet. Tell her that you feel it's hard to go thru with it when you know she's having a hard time. Although we were both interested in Orthodoxy, my husband was chrismated right away, right after we finished the catechumen classes. It took me a lot longer - I was looking for loopholes!  I hope im not sounding lame. I feel 100% ready to join the church, but i dont want to hurt my wife either. You don't sound lame at all. it shouldnt make a huge difference as i have been going to church there regularly anyways. whats the difference if i technically become a member? Just you wait and see.... |
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« Last Edit: May 21, 2012, 03:39:44 PM by katherineofdixie »
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"If but ten of us lead a holy life, we shall kindle a fire which shall light up the entire city."
St. John Chrysostom
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wayseer
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- a student
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« Reply #9 on: May 21, 2012, 05:51:30 PM » |
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I have the opportunity to become a catechumen this Sunday.
Lord, in your Mercy .... Congratulations - from one Catechumen to another. |
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Not all those who wander are lost.
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LizaSymonenko
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« Reply #10 on: May 21, 2012, 07:05:55 PM » |
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Congratulations!  Excellent news! Remember, YOU are the representative example of Orthodoxy to your wife. Be a great example. Be filled with peace and joy....and PULL her with you. You can't PUSH someone towards Christ....you have to make them come of their own volition. Therefore, make her want what you are getting. Many years! |
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Conquer evil men by your gentle kindness, and make zealous men wonder at your goodness. Put the lover of legality to shame by your compassion. With the afflicted be afflicted in mind. Love all men, but keep distant from all men.
—St. Isaac of Syria
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Timon
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« Reply #11 on: May 21, 2012, 11:20:21 PM » |
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Thank you so much everyone!
I would like to go ahead and let you know there is a slight chance I will decide to wait another week or two. I just want to clarify that incase it doesnt happen this Sunday. I dont necessarily want you all to think I 'wimped out.'
Im simply afraid that if I do this without my wifes support, it will somehow turn her off to Orthodoxy. We talked a little tonight, but she worked a very long day and agreed to discuss this in more detail with me tomorrow at dinner. I let the priest know I wanted to discuss this more with her first. Hopefully he will understand and be ok with it.
And I dont feel like I am asking her permission. But I do have a hard time doing something that she doesnt support as it could turn her off to Orthodoxy even more. If I need to wait a little longer for her to be more understanding of where I am coming from, then I feel that will be worth the wait.
I have done really well about not pushing anything on her, but when we talk about it I still get frustrated at how I feel like I am having to defend Orthodoxy. We really dont owe anyone an explanation for anything, so it has been hard for me to be patient when explaining things. Pray that I would continue to be patient, and also pray that I would be given the right words to say to be as peaceful and joyful, yet convincing, as possible.
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Even if we have thousands of acts of great virtue to our credit, our confidence in being heard must be based on God's mercy and His love for men. Even if we stand at the very summit of virtue, it is by mercy that we shall be saved. — Chrysostom BLOG |
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Thomas
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« Reply #12 on: May 21, 2012, 11:21:58 PM » |
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Congratulations! Many Years---I look forward to the day you are chrismated.
Thomas
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Your brother in Christ ,
Thomas
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Maximum Bob
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« Reply #13 on: May 21, 2012, 11:23:08 PM » |
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Congratulations on your opportunity, my prayers for your wife and yourself. Lord have mercy.
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Prov. 3: 5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
Psalm 37:23 The Lord guides a man safely in the way he should go.
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katherineofdixie
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« Reply #14 on: May 22, 2012, 09:27:41 AM » |
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Im simply afraid that if I do this without my wifes support, it will somehow turn her off to Orthodoxy.
...And I dont feel like I am asking her permission. But I do have a hard time doing something that she doesnt support as it could turn her off to Orthodoxy even more. If I need to wait a little longer for her to be more understanding of where I am coming from, then I feel that will be worth the wait.
I have done really well about not pushing anything on her, but when we talk about it I still get frustrated at how I feel like I am having to defend Orthodoxy. We really dont owe anyone an explanation for anything, so it has been hard for me to be patient when explaining things. Pray that I would continue to be patient, and also pray that I would be given the right words to say to be as peaceful and joyful, yet convincing, as possible.
OK, I'm breaking my female solidarity oath here and I will have to swear all you guys to secrecy on pain of death - but most women would be totally disarmed, charmed and moved if you just said the above to her. |
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"If but ten of us lead a holy life, we shall kindle a fire which shall light up the entire city."
St. John Chrysostom
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Big Chris
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« Reply #15 on: May 22, 2012, 09:30:53 AM » |
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Im simply afraid that if I do this without my wifes support, it will somehow turn her off to Orthodoxy.
...And I dont feel like I am asking her permission. But I do have a hard time doing something that she doesnt support as it could turn her off to Orthodoxy even more. If I need to wait a little longer for her to be more understanding of where I am coming from, then I feel that will be worth the wait.
I have done really well about not pushing anything on her, but when we talk about it I still get frustrated at how I feel like I am having to defend Orthodoxy. We really dont owe anyone an explanation for anything, so it has been hard for me to be patient when explaining things. Pray that I would continue to be patient, and also pray that I would be given the right words to say to be as peaceful and joyful, yet convincing, as possible.
OK, I'm breaking my female solidarity oath here and I will have to swear all you guys to secrecy on pain of death - but most women would be totally disarmed, charmed and moved if you just said the above to her. Agreed. The level of respect and consideration you give your wife is most humbling. Many years! |
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Tasting is Believing
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Timon
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« Reply #16 on: May 22, 2012, 11:58:06 PM » |
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Well, it looks like everything is good to go for this Sunday as of now. To be honest, im a little nervous for some reason. Maybe its because I dont know many Orthodox people yet. Maybe its because I may lose some of my work as a contract musician. (which I depend on....) Or maybe its because its such a big leap from where I grew up. Maybe its because everything just got real, really fast... Dont get me wrong, I am excited and i do feel that this is the right Church for me to be in. Part of me is wondering if maybe the timing isnt best? I am going to be working in Florida during the week this whole summer, but I will be back on weekends. While ill be able to attend liturgy, it may be difficult to attend the catechumen classes right away.... Is it normal to be nervous about this? Am I just trying once again to talk myself out of it? On the other hand, whats the big deal? I attend Church there anyways. Whats the difference if Im officially a catechumen? Someone just tell me to shut up! |
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Even if we have thousands of acts of great virtue to our credit, our confidence in being heard must be based on God's mercy and His love for men. Even if we stand at the very summit of virtue, it is by mercy that we shall be saved. — Chrysostom BLOG |
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Margarita
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« Reply #17 on: May 23, 2012, 08:48:44 AM » |
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Be still...
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katherineofdixie
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« Reply #18 on: May 23, 2012, 12:44:12 PM » |
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Shut up! (she said kindly ) You're dithering a bit, but that's ok. I did too, and so did a lot of others. A priest I know once said to me, "You know, you really don't have to know the whole plan. Just do the next right thing. Figuring that out is hard enough." |
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"If but ten of us lead a holy life, we shall kindle a fire which shall light up the entire city."
St. John Chrysostom
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Timon
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« Reply #19 on: May 23, 2012, 12:50:47 PM » |
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After talking to the priest more I feel more a peace with everything.
See you Sunday, Katherine!
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Even if we have thousands of acts of great virtue to our credit, our confidence in being heard must be based on God's mercy and His love for men. Even if we stand at the very summit of virtue, it is by mercy that we shall be saved. — Chrysostom BLOG |
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kelly
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« Reply #20 on: May 23, 2012, 12:55:37 PM » |
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Blessings to you and good luck!
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My chrismation was on December 16, 2012. Thanks be to God!
"Remember that the evil which is now in the world will become yet more powerful, and that it is not evil which conquers evil, but only love."
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Timon
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« Reply #21 on: May 23, 2012, 02:08:09 PM » |
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Blessings to you and good luck!
Thank you! |
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Even if we have thousands of acts of great virtue to our credit, our confidence in being heard must be based on God's mercy and His love for men. Even if we stand at the very summit of virtue, it is by mercy that we shall be saved. — Chrysostom BLOG |
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katherineofdixie
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« Reply #22 on: May 23, 2012, 03:01:52 PM » |
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See you Sunday, Katherine!
Looking forward to it! |
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"If but ten of us lead a holy life, we shall kindle a fire which shall light up the entire city."
St. John Chrysostom
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Timon
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« Reply #23 on: May 27, 2012, 11:19:18 PM » |
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Welp.... its official. Im a catechumen!! I barely made it, as my car broke down the night before and I didnt know if I would be able to get it running in time. I left voicemails and emails with the priest to let him know my situation and that I might not make it. It worked out though!! As a gift, they presented me with this lovely icon of St. Nicholas slapping the crap out of Arius for being a heretic. Just as St. Nicholas was determined to defend the faith, so I was determined not to let my car troubles prevent me from taking this step. |
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Even if we have thousands of acts of great virtue to our credit, our confidence in being heard must be based on God's mercy and His love for men. Even if we stand at the very summit of virtue, it is by mercy that we shall be saved. — Chrysostom BLOG |
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Timon
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« Reply #24 on: May 27, 2012, 11:23:01 PM » |
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 heres a better picture of the icon. ive never seen it before today. |
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Even if we have thousands of acts of great virtue to our credit, our confidence in being heard must be based on God's mercy and His love for men. Even if we stand at the very summit of virtue, it is by mercy that we shall be saved. — Chrysostom BLOG |
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Maximum Bob
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« Reply #25 on: May 28, 2012, 12:48:51 AM » |
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Congratulations
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Prov. 3: 5-6 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.
Psalm 37:23 The Lord guides a man safely in the way he should go.
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Margarita
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« Reply #26 on: May 28, 2012, 08:45:32 PM » |
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Congratulations! And what a beautiful icon!
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gonefishing
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« Reply #27 on: May 28, 2012, 09:31:33 PM » |
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I sooooooo hope I make it this far. I'm excited for you.
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Peter J
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« Reply #28 on: May 29, 2012, 01:35:09 PM » |
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Welp.... its official. Im a catechumen!! I barely made it, as my car broke down the night before and I didnt know if I would be able to get it running in time. I left voicemails and emails with the priest to let him know my situation and that I might not make it. It worked out though!! As a gift, they presented me with this lovely icon of St. Nicholas slapping the crap out of Arius for being a heretic. Just as St. Nicholas was determined to defend the faith, so I was determined not to let my car troubles prevent me from taking this step. Dude, you don't slap a car to get it to work. You're thinking of a color TV. But congrats on becoming a catechumen! |
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"Instead, Washington is shifting the burden of bad choices today onto the backs of our children and grandchildren. America has a debt problem and a failure of leadership. Americans deserve better. I therefore intend to oppose the effort to increase America’s debt limit."
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elephant
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« Reply #29 on: May 29, 2012, 01:52:57 PM » |
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Many years, Timon!
Love,
elephant
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jmbejdl
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« Reply #30 on: May 30, 2012, 06:50:22 AM » |
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Welp.... its official. Im a catechumen!! I barely made it, as my car broke down the night before and I didnt know if I would be able to get it running in time. I left voicemails and emails with the priest to let him know my situation and that I might not make it. It worked out though!! As a gift, they presented me with this lovely icon of St. Nicholas slapping the crap out of Arius for being a heretic. Just as St. Nicholas was determined to defend the faith, so I was determined not to let my car troubles prevent me from taking this step. Dude, you don't slap a car to get it to work. You're thinking of a color TV. But congrats on becoming a catechumen! Now I can't get the image of Basil Fawlty beating his car with a branch out of my head! Congratulations Timon |
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We owe greater gratitude to those who humble us, wrong us, and douse us with venom, than to those who nurse us with honour and sweet words, or feed us with tasty food and confections, for bile is the best medicine for our soul. - Elder Paisios of Mount Athos
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