Step Two

Step Two - Understand the Surf/Prioritize


Ok! You've slowed down and your ready to assess the situation. The first lesson in wave navigation begins on the beach. Never venture into the surf without first checking conditions for at least 15 minutes. It is not that uncommon to arrive at a beach and find it devoid of waves, only to swim out and be confronted by a "set" (sequence of three or four larger waves). I can't even begin to count how many times this has happened to me! The conditions on any given day will be governed by wind direction and velocity, swell direction and size, tides and bottom conditions - good grief!

Got a tough day ahead of you? Never venture back into the craziness without first checking the conditions.

Here's what to do:

Make a list of items that you need to accomplish and list them in order of importance. Putting your thoughts down on paper will help clear your mind. Let's face it, there are some days that ocean seems just too rough to go out on. If the waves are over 2 to 3 feet you may want to consider waiting for a better day. But, if you do decide to brave the surf, it is a good idea to study the wave pattern before you go. The breaking waves almost always come in sets of 6 to 8 followed by a calmer period. This is when you want to make your break for it.

Are you "braving the surf" today? Give some considerable thought to the day ahead. . . find the calm . . .take a deep breath. . . and go for it!

Overcome Being Overwhelmed

In today's hectic and fast-paced way of life, wouldn't you agree that it sure is easy to become overwhelmed? Let’s face it—most of us are trying to squeeze in something in our lives.

For those of us in the military we are usually juggling our normal family commitments on top of all the military ones, and very often filling in the gap left by a deployed spouse. Most experts will tell us that the best thing we can do for ourselves and everyone around us is to just slow down! Sounds simple, right? Ha! It’s not unlike the experience of having a big wave completely engulf you while playing in the surf at the beach.

When I was a young girl living in San Diego, I learned by trial and error to float in the calm water beyond the breakers and body surf on Southern California beaches. But getting to the calm water on the other side of the waves was tricky part! Surfing skill comes first from watching and understanding a wave as it breaks, so you are able to position yourself in the perfect spot to catch the wave or dodge it - whatever the case may be. After endless weekends, with hours and hours of observation and treacherous practice, I began to understand the power of the ocean. After many years, I found a rhythm. Not going against it – but working with the wave– it all became so much less overwhelming!

The dictionary defines “overwhelm” as “to become overwhelmed by a superior force.” Without a doubt, the point at which we become so overwhelmed by the heavy demands of life that we want to scream, cry with frustration or give up, comes from the buildup of pressure. How do we reduce this anxiety level? With a few simple steps:


Step One - Slow Down


This is the most important step of all. When stress crashes down on you like a wave, walk away from it to a place of safety, get your breath and assess the situation. Just getting out of the water can quickly calm you down and help you to get your thoughts in order so that you can start fresh. Away from the beach? Take a walk, meditate, or simply shut your door for a few minutes and listen to soothing music. At work? Sit in your car and do the same thing.



log on again in a few days (while I think about what to write) to read the next installment

Treasures

Someone said that grandchildren are God's way of compensating us for growing old. Well, there is no doubt that this is true. These precious treasures light up a room and bring more joy in a single moment than I ever thought possible!

Here are some recent pictures taken of our three grandchildren. And just think . . . they all live within 100 yards of me. As someone put it to me the other day - a little bit of heaven!

Scroll down the page to view the pictures from Fr. Philip's Ordination

Saint Valentine

St. Valentine is a martyr from before the year 312, commemorated on the 14th of February. He was probably martyred on that date, but nothing else is known of him. (A Valentine, priest of Rome, and a Valentine, bishop of Ternia (Interamna), are both commemorated on 14 February, and now generally assumed to be the same person.) In many parts of Europe, it was once said that birds began to pair off for the nesting season in mid-February. Since our forebears often spoke of a given day by naming a saint connected with it rather than by giving the month and the number of the day, we find them saying that birds choose their mates on St. Valentine's day.

Historians have speculated that St. Valentine came to be given this title because his feast day fell around the time of Lupercalia, a pagan Roman festival of carnal love that later took on a more Christian character as well as the saint's name. For this to happen – if it is true – St. Valentine must have been highly regarded by the early Roman Christians. The saint is described as a brave, righteous and wise man and a kind and conscientious friend to those in need.

According to tradition, St. Valentine also cared deeply for the young: He taught lovers to read and write letters to one another, presented flowers to newlyweds and helped married couples in difficulties. As a priest in the third century, and according to legend, St. Valentine ignored Emperor Claudius’ decree that no more marriages were to take place. Claudius had forbidden marriages because he believed that they cut down on his potential crop of soldiers. Valentine, viewing this as unjust, continued to marry people, and was caught in the act and sentenced to death. It is said that a girl, whom Valentine had healed of blindness fell madly in love with him and visited him every night in prison. Before his execution on February 14th, he sent a note to the girl and signed it “From your Valentine.”

Burning, but not consumed

Beloved, the goal of our lives, believe it or not is to burn! Yes, burn, you heard me! Now I know that’s kind of weird because the preacher is supposed to teach you how “not” to burn. What I’m getting at is that we want to be “burning” with the fire of the Holy Spirit, but not be consumed in the process!
Resistance is what causes the heat to overwhelm us. Like the little electronic component of the same name, resistance brings overheating and “consumption;” …a “burned out circuit.” That’s what we don’t want. But if we’ll give ourselves to Him, without reservation, we’ll instead be like the three Hebrews who gave themselves to God in the face of evil Nebuchadnezzar, and were thrown into the fiery furnace for it. They so completely trusted God in obedience and utter submission, that instead of a place of pain and torment, the furnace became a comfort to them! They became like that bush, “burning, but not consumed.”

This is the reality of our calling. We have been called to receive Christ into our hearts, minds, souls, and into every aspect of or very being, and to actually “participate” in His divine life. Doing that as we pray, worship, and partake of the sacraments ignites a flame in us that burns so brightly that it actually begins to show on our faces, and unlike Moses, nothing can extinguish it. It will not fade away! In fact nothing can obscure it. Nor does He want us to obscure it, but rather wants us to let it shine to all those around us. We’re not to hide it under a bushel basket, but are to be as a shining city on a hillside, much like that burning bush, so that all who pass by, who turn aside to see this great thing, will come into contact with God Himself in us, and hopefully begin to see the possibility of they themselves being transformed as well!

(Part of a message from Fr. Philip last August)

Scroll down to view the pictures from Fr. Philip's Ordination

Family Traditions

I read an article recently that explored how family traditions cultivate the connection between immediate family members and between generations. It talked about the “we always" of families, like "we always make Spaghetti on Valentines Day" or "we always have games and popcorn on Saturday night." Because such traditions have special meaning to the family unit, they create feelings of warmth and closeness. By spending time together in a fun and special setting, family members grow closer.
The gaggle got together last Saturday night for a big spaghetti dinner at John & Rondi’s house (which for those of you who may not know is directly behind our house. We share the same back fence as you can see in the picture. . . our deck looking at John & Rondi's house) 13 of us all-together: Jesse & Elina, Misha, Elijjah, Gami & Grandpa, Papa & Mimi, Rondi & Karis, and just-arrived-back-from-a-two-and-a-half-month-vacation, Stephanie, Gabriel & Michael (who live in the same neighborhood a block away). In a few short months the family will be complete when daddy's Johnny and Brad come back home from Afghanistan. As the family has moved close to each other for the first time in many years, we are looking forward to establishing “we always” traditions of our own; traditions and practices that we repeat regularly with the intention of encouraging feelings of deep happiness and family unity. These will be more than run of the mill routines - everyday activities that require no special behavior and involve little emotion - I’m talking about the kind of traditions that are handed down from one generation to the next and that cultivate feelings of emotional closeness because the family isn’t neglecting one another.
Do you think it’s even possible to have too many family traditions? Is it possible to say “too often we do this or that?” I don’t really think so! But I guess if there were too many traditions it could water down the importance of each one; although, I think I might like to tackle such a problem as “You know those Pelikans? They have TOO MANY FAMILY TRADITIONS!” Ha!
I know that establishing new traditions will take preparation and effort, but I’m so glad to even have the opportunity of being able to try it. I’m especially interested in “Orthodox” family traditions that bring our family closer to God.
Please share some of your favorite family traditions with me in the comment box. I look forward to writing more about them in the near future.

Living in the Present

Living in the Present:

Certainly, it comes as no big surprise that I was reflecting today about our lives and the circumstances we find ourselves in recently. It's been an amazing and fairly long journey to get to this point in life - yet in many ways we've only just begun. Yet again, as far as Church goes, I'd like to go on record as saying that this is most definately our last beginning. We have finally come home to Orthodoxy!
Unfortuneatley, my mind has a long established habit of looking a bit too much at the past with varying emotions or dreaming a bit too much about a future that seems so far away . . . and wondering. The weight of these thoughts can be too heavy to bear at times.

But the Lord answered and said to her, "Martha, Martha (insert our own name), you are worried and bothered about so many things." (Luke 10:41)

Our/my ability to live in the here and now has no doubt been diminished by all of this musing. But times they are a changing and I would like to propose a new thought: The present is the present! And what should we do with a present? Well, open it of course!

"So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own." (Matt 6:34)
"And who of you by being worried can add a single hour to his life?" (Matt 6:27)

A Smile For Your Day!

I recieved this in an email from Maureen today, and it did exactly what it was supposed to - it put a smile on my face! Hope it does the same for you.
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Oridination Slide-show

Scroll down to view the pictures from Fr. Philip's Ordination

Can't Take It In!

Since my husband's ordination, I'm having a difficult time finding words to express my feelings. Until I find words again, (at least for today) I offer these lyrics instead.

Can't Take It In (From Chronicles of Narnia)

"Can't close my eyes
I'm wide awake
Every hair on my body
Has got a thing for this place
Oh, empty my heart
I've got to make room for this feeling
It's so much bigger than me
[Chorus:]It couldn't be anymore beautiful
I can't take it in
Weightless in love...unraveling
For all that's to come
And all that's ever been
We're back to the board
With every shade under the sun
Let's make it a good one
[Chorus:]It couldn't be anymore beautiful
It couldn't be anymore beautiful
I can't take it in
Laaaaaaaa . . . ohhhhhhh I can't take it in
Laaaaaaaaa. . . ohhhhhh I can't take it in
Woahhhhhhh . . . It couldn't be anymore beautiful
It couldn't be anymore beautiful
I can't take it in
More that I wonder . . . More than I ever needed
Woahhhhhh . . . More that I wonder . . . Oooooohhhhhh

Ordination

Hello Everyone!


I'm glad you've logged onto my blog to check on the Pelikans and all that's been going on in our lives lately.

Jesse, Elina, Misha, Elijah, Gami & Grandpa caravaned across the country together and arrived on Sunday evening, January 20th. The Jesse Pelikan family has settled in nicely with Rondi and Karis, where they will be living for the next few months. There is a lovely house very near us that is coming availiable to rent this summer, so Jesse and Elina are holding out for that one to be their new home. Gami & Grandpa stayed with us for the first week, while they sorted through their household goods, mail, bought food, etc. and then moved into their new home a few miles from us all. They even watched Sherman, Libby and Yuki for us while the entire gaggle of Pelikans (minus Johnny, sadly) made our way down to Florida for "Papa's" Ordination. We were joined by Jim, Tina and Matt Cuthbertson, as well as Archbishop Doug, Pam and Mary Elizabeth Woodall.

Fr Nicholas, our priest from All Saint's Orthodox Church in Raliegh, is wonderful and he took very good care of (the now) Fr. Philip. He is a gentle and wise man, and we love him and Kh. Barbara dearly.

Below is my entry from yesterday - a slide show of the ordination! I have even figured out how to have music playing while you peruse. (or with just a click you can turn it off)

To read Fr Philip's thoughts: http://frphil.blogspot.com/

Fr Philip Pelikan - Antiochian Orthodox Priest

The Newly Ordained Deacon Philip - Axios!

This particular blog is to share with you that this past Sunday, January 13th, was a very significant day in our lives. Philip became Deacon Philip of the Antiochian Orthodox Church in Virginia. He will be ordained to the Priesthood on the 27th of this month ... this was the most significant step toward the completion of that dream.

Our own Father Nicholas and Philip wait for the festivities to begin.

Deacon (soon-to-be Father) Philip knelt before the Bishop at the beginning of the Divine Liturgy, Philip knelt before the Bishop and had hands laid upon him to be made a subdeacon. His first duty was to wash the Bishop's hands and have the towel of service placed upon his head which the Bishop had just used to dry his own hands.
He was then instructed to stand before the icon of Christ to pray and contemplate his future life of servitude.

Holding the glass picture and bowl filled with water, the towel still on his head, he remained motionless for an hour while the extended Liturgy went on and on ... the only break he received was during The Great Entrance (the procession with the communion elements) where he was able to follow at the end of the procession with the pitcher, bowl and towel ... only to return to his place, now before the icon of the Theotokos (Mary) where he continued his motionless stance for what he says "felt like another hour."

This is a rare picture of Philip before the icon and a behind the screen look at the Sanctuary (the area behind the icon screen) ... preparing for the Liturgy.

Soon after the two sponsors and the Bishop's Assistant go out the north door. The assistant takes the bowl from Philip (the candidate) and his sponsors lead him to the solea (the little area just in front of the center doors).
Then the command: "Holy Master, bless him who is before thee."

The new Deacon kisses the Bishop's right hand and omophorion (the Bishop's stole), turns and stands facing the people next to the Bishop in the Holy Doors. The Bishop takes each piece of the new Deacon's vestments, blesses it and shouts to the people:

Bishop: HE IS WORTHY (Axios in Greek)

People: HE IS WORTHY

The Divine Liturgy continues and the new Deacon serves the remainder of the service as the first Deacon!

Afterward, the people of St Basil's Antiochian Orthodox church had fellowship lunch for us. The night before, Fr. Greggory hosted a banquet to celebrate his own elevation to Archpriest and Philip's ordination to the Deaconate. Many honored guests were present, including Bishop Thomas and clergy from other Orthodox churches and different denomintations up and down the Eastern Seaboard.

Here we are with Bishop Thomas.

Read more from the new Deacon: http://frphil.blogspot.com/

And Then There Were Three ...

Just a little update on the grandkids:

As I sit here in my favorite corner of my sofa, I'm thinking about the incredible blessing of having three grandchildren now that Elijah Martin is here. Thank you Lord for these precious lives:

Karis Lei(3 and a half) is growing like a weed, learning to put letters together to make words, and very excited about her sweet little life.

Misha Rose (2 years) has a little brother now, loves being home with Mommy and Brother, and enjoys telling everyone about her world every minute.

Elihjah Martin is 19 days old today and actually gained one whole pound in a week and a half - wow! He's very healthy and happy in his new world too!

The Washington National Cathedral

Phil and I had were personally invited to attend the Marine Corps (annual) Worship Service to celebrate the Marine Corps birthday at 4 p.m., Nov. 11, at Washington National Cathedral, located in the center of Washington, DC. This moving and inspirational annual celebration offers civilians, service members and their families the chance to pause in prayer and pay tribute to Marines who have given the ultimate sacrifice to God, country and Corps. This ceremony is open to the public each year and limited free parking is available too - which was great.

Ative duty members were all in uniform. This is a picture of our friend's, Admiral Bob Burt and CDR Ray Houk.

We drove up to Virginia first very early on Sunday to stay the night with our dear friends, Navy Captain King & Sue Dietrich. We hadn't seen them since moving from Japan, so we were very excited about spending a little time with them as well. They only live about 45 min from downtown DC, so that was perfect. Uniform for active duty Marines is Dress Blue "B" with ribbons, or Service "A" with ribbons and badges. Other services should wear their equivalent service uniform; civilian dress is business suit.

We had a great time at the service! We saw old friends, heard the Marine Corps Band play with the Cathedrals'Men's and Girl's Choir (absolutely beautiful music), listened to General Connway's comments, and heard an amazing message from the Dean of the Cathedral.

After the wonderful ceremony, we went back to Sue and King's house for a great dinner and fun time of chatting and catching up with one another. We slept and woke up early to the fragrance of breakfast cooking.

Our breakfast was filled with love and conversation - then off we went down the highway back home to North Carlina. We were on the road before 9:00 am!

Elijah's First Few Days

Click here for a special slideshow baby treat!!!

http://pelikansflight.wordpress.com/

Baby Pelikan

Jesse and Elina have given us the gift of sharing in the actual birth of Elijah Martin Pelikan.

This little video is rated "G"!

He's Here!

It's a Boy!

He's here! Elijah Martin Pelikan was born yesterday, November 1st, at noon. He weighed 8 lbs 12 oz and was 22 inches long! It looks like he's going to have dimples and red hair just like his Greatgrandpa David! Time will tell!

Elina is doing well. Just a bit tired after being in labor all night.

Here is Elijah when he's 5 hours old

Organized Christmas!

Of course we all want an organized Christmas! But how do we do it? In my neverending search to better prepare for the holidays, I came across this great website.

I've put a link on my blog to: http://www.organizedchristmas.com/ It's one of the best sites I've seen for ideas and a actual plan for organizing Christmas.

Check it out ... you'll be glad you did.

And don't forget to read my other blog too: http://beetidy.blogspot.com/