are an important part of what it means to be human. Yet when they, untransformed by grace and holiness, become the sole measure of what is good and right and true they can become a bitter addiction, pulling us one way or another dragged along by the ever changing power of a whim.

And so it is a very true and most excellent saying of the Fathers that the right method of fasting and abstinence lies in the measure of moderation and bodily chastening; and that this is the aim of perfect virtue for all alike, viz.: that though we are still forced to desire it, yet we should exercise self-restraint in the matter of the food, which we are obliged to take owing to the necessity of supporting the body. For even if one is weak in body, he can attain to a perfect virtue and one equal to that of those who are thoroughly strong and healthy, if with firmness of mind he keeps a check upon the desires and lusts which are not due to weakness of the flesh. For the Apostle says: “And take not care for the flesh in its lusts.” He does not forbid care for it in every respect: but says that care is not to be taken in regard to its desires and lusts. He cuts away the luxurious fondness for the flesh: he does not exclude the control necessary for life: he does the former, lest through pampering the flesh we should be involved in dangerous entanglements of the desires; the latter lest the body should be injured by our fault and unable to fulfil its spiritual and necessary duties.

I am a husband, a helper, a Priest, and a musician. Sorting it all out seems to be the challenge of the year ahead. How does one balance the various parts of a life and sanctify them all?

when it comes to football teams. I’ve just never been able to stick with one and commit. Don’t know why that is but its roots run deep.

As a kid in Wisconsin I was a Packer fan, even met Ray Nitschke at a local store. But by about 1970 I was actively courting the Dolphins because I liked their uniforms and the fact that it was sunny when they played, even in the winter.

Moving to Minnesota in my middle teens I started rooting for the Vikings but my passions soon drifted, to the Cleveland Browns until their fans decided to throw beer bottles on the field after a disputed call, then the Packers for a while just to tick off the swells here in Minnesota, and then the Colts because I admired Tony Dungy.

Last year it was the Packers again and this year the Lions because I felt they were a team that needed fans and was frankly better than their record would indicate. Besides my cats all root for “cat” teams.

See, in a world where people live and die and can literally be buried in team colored caskets I just bounce along with whatever strikes my fancy. I’ve often wondered whether this is just about not wanting to bear the cruddy feelings that come when you’re a real fan and your team tanks. Perhaps its about simply not feeling at home anywhere. Maybe my imagination just won’t let me focus in on one team. I’m still working to figure it out.

Until I do my football love is just a fleeting thing, unencumbered by the traditional morals of the NFL. Yep, I guess its true. When it comes to football I’m just a floozy.

the gift of being able to fall asleep like a cat!

like losing weight I actually have a serious one I’ll put some effort into making happen. I’m hoping to turn off the TV and rekindle (although I actually own a Nook) my love of reading. I’m already working through the Philokalia, Lives of the English Saints, and Gulliver’s Travels (I like to read a number of books at once).

In 2011 I resolve to be even more humble than I was in 2010. Smile.

that in the order of things in our house she who opens the cans is definitely the first prize as the cats settle their sleeping arrangements. He who only occasionally opens the cans, that’s me, goes to the loser. Sigh.