Our Resurrected Lives

Some of my fondest memories were related to the Celebration of Life...The Resurrection of Jesus!
From the time I could read English, I attended Greek School. This was not a religiously oriented function.  It was meant to teach us the language, the culture, and the customs of the Greek community in Toledo Ohio. On Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, my little friend and I rode the bus after school to the Greek church's community center. It shouldn't surprise you to know that I married that friend, George. If you have read either of my books, you will see the full picture of my young life.

I am no longer fluent in Greek but I use phrases to express my feelings.  Xristos Aneste (sorry that is the best way to show you how to say Christ has risen in English) is practically shouted from the church upon attending Easter Services.  The response, Allethos Aneste, means He has risen, indeed.

At Casa Hope, where I volunteer with the men living in that Christian transitional living house, I say Sa ga po pollie... which means I love you very much.  Many enjoy learning a third language since Spanish is their primary language and English is secondary.

I say, Kali Mera and Buenos Dios. 
I say, Ef haristo and Gracias.

I remember gathering grape leaves from the vines with my Yaya. She made stuffed grape leaves and to this day it is my favorite dish. We grew up on lamb and pilaf. My Yaya made lamb stew every Friday, unless my Papou shot a pheasant, which she pronounced "phesal".Every week my Papou would say, "Woman, I don't like peas in my stew!"  Yaya would say, "Neh, neh" which sort of means yes, she understands. But for forty-four years, there were peas in the weekly dish. As a psychologist, I often use that as the example of "passive-aggressiveness".  In other words, one agrees to anything but continues to do it the same way.

I would love to hear about your traditions. My heart is full of gratitude that Christ died for my sins and that I have a merciful, loving Father who never gave up on me. Thank you for taking the time to read my posts.

Doctor yaya.

April 9, 2019

I have found a lovely new praying place!  It is not in a closet.  As a matter of fact, it is not in the house. It is on my swing in the back yard facing the farm.  My dear husband built this swing made for two.....  I love just a swingin' and a thinkin' and a praying. I never tire of watching the birds and wondering what God's divine plan is for the rest of my life.

How about you?  Do you like to swing?  When was the last time you did so?  For some of us, it brings back sweet memories of a simple childhood. I remember stretching out on a padded swing in my Yaya's backyard. Her garage had an overhang on the side and the swing was attached to it. This provided protection from the sun and the rain .I could place my shoe against the pole and keep it moving.  For whatever reason, "Blueberry Hill" is a song I sang at the tender age of ten while I swung very gently. It probably has to do with having a brother ten years older who danced with me in the living room after school most days.

Every Summer Yaya had a garden and the rabbits would try to steal the lettuce! She would take her apron off and swat at them. Every Friday she made lamb stew for my Papou.  And every Friday he would say to her, "Yenecka (which is "Woman" in Greek), I don't like peas in my stew."  And every Friday night she would answer, "Neh, Neh, Neh" which was supposed to mean, "yes, yes, yes".  But you guessed it, for forty-four years she served him peas in his stew.

Let me hear from you about your memories of swinging.  Perhaps you were pushed on a rope swing by your big brother. 

If nothing else, find your praying place outdoors.  It is Spring and there are blessing awaiting us!
Don't wait.   Don't allow yourself to have regrets.

Your Sister in Christ,


Phyllis