I want to thank everyone who is participating in the Psalter Readings Group, it is such a blessing to be in a prayer circle with all of you. We will be accepting people throughout the fast, it is never too late to join.

A woman in the other group I am reading with from church sent this link the other day. It is EXCELLENT! It shows how the Psalter can be used as a Book of Needs, as St. Arsenios of Cappadocia used it. It lists all the different needs and which Psalm should be prayed for each one. I printed it out and placed it in my Psalter. Check it out here when you get a chance.

Also just a few updates:

I received an email from someone saying that they read somewhere that Noah's mother is thanking everyone for sending Christmas cards. The family is now asking all organizations to stop sending cards so the family can enjoy his last days peacefully. Please keep him and his family in your prayers. Thank you to all of you who sent cards.

Fr. Alexios is recovering well and announced to his Bible study class that he has forgiven his offender and prays that God open his heart. Fr. Alexios is not pressing charges. As far as I know, authorities are still investigating and are planning to prosecute. Please keep both of them in your prayers. I am still accepting cards to offer support if anyone else is interested. Thank you to all of you who have sent cards already.

The Orthodox Kid's Pen Pal Program partners have been emailed. If you signed your child up and have not recieved an email, please let me know. Again, a big thank you to Lindsay, who paired the kids up this round.

I also want to thank all of you who have pre-ordered my upcoming children's book, A Pocketful of Seeds. I am so appreciative of your prayers, support and encouraging words. Thank you.

I pray everyone is having a blessed Nativity fast thus far!