Happy New Year

Should Old Acquaintance be forgot,
and never thought upon;
The flames of Love extinguished,
and fully past and gone:
Is thy sweet Heart now grown so cold,
that loving Breast of thine;
That thou canst never once reflect
on Old long syne.

CHORUS:

On Old long syne my Jo, in Old long syne, That thou canst never once reflect, on Old long syne.

My Heart is ravisht with delight,
when thee I think upon;
All Grief and Sorrow takes the flight,
and speedily is gone;
The bright resemblance of thy Face,
so fills this, Heart of mine;
That Force nor Fate can me displease,
for Old long syne.

CHORUS

Since thoughts of thee doth banish grief,
when from thee I am gone;
will not thy presence yield relief,
to this sad Heart of mine:
Why doth thy presence me defeat,
with excellence divine?
Especially when I reflect
on Old long syne

Ring out the old, ring in the new,
Ring, happy bells, across the snow:
The year is going, let him go;
Ring out the false, ring in the true.
~Alfred, Lord Tennyson, 1850


With each January 1st we welcome in a new year - a new beginning. We make resolutions that we vow to keep this time around. We celebrate.

We leave behind the past year with thoughts of wonder and gladness that we made it through. We hope and pray that this year will bring peace and an out-pouring of love in our world. 


We are thankful for all that this new year will bring to our life...

May an abundance of blessings pour out to you and yours - Happy New Year

'Tis The Season: Meaning of Christmas

What Does Christmas Mean To You?

Snow...

Gifts...

Shopping...

Trying to decide what to buy...

Making your list of to-do things...

Stress/tension...

Decorating your home...

Cooking/baking...

Christmas Tree...

Sadness...

Being with family and friends...

Traveling - Sharing - Rushing around to get things done...

And, the list could go on and on and on...

This is my favorite time of the year. During the Christmas Season I make myself slow down and reflect upon the joy and happiness that is meant to be the most important part of Christmas. Joy and happiness in giving.

As a matter of fact, I slow down and enjoy my days so much that it is a wonder that I get so much done. Maybe I need to do this every day not just during the Christmas season. I actually am able to get more done in a shorter period of time. Perhaps it has to do with attitude.

Yes, I do the shopping thingy but with the thoughts of having fun with it. I make it fun by watching so many others rushing, checking their list and walking fast to the next store. Baking and cooking stuff to give away is a big delight for me, not a drudgery. I suddenly find myself smiling for no apparent reason. But then again, maybe the smile is because of the reason for the season.

Like most of you, I too have family and friends that have left this earth. And, like you, I do think of them especially during this time of the year. I remember the fun times spent with them and what they have added to my life. 

So, what does Christmas mean to you? 

To me, Christmas means LOVE - Pure and simple but complex.

To me, Christmas means PEACE - Within my heart and being.

To me, Christmas means GIVING and SHARING - Me.

To me, Christmas means celebrating the coming of Christ...

'Tis The Season: Rudolph

I received an email with the story behind Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer. You may check out this story by going to Truth or Fiction. 

The email takes a little different slant behind the story of Rudolph than Truth or Fiction states to be true. Nonetheless, I liked the story in the email so that is what I am sharing.

The True Story of Rudolph
 
A man named Bob May, depressed and brokenhearted, stared out his drafty apartment window into the chilling December night.

His 4-year-old daughter Barbara sat on his lap quietly sobbing. Bob's wife, Evelyn, was dying of cancer Little Barbara couldn't understand why her mommy could never come home. Barbara looked up into her dad's eyes and asked, "Why isn't Mommy just like everybody else's Mommy?" Bob's jaw tightened and his eyes welled with tears. Her question brought waves of grief, but also of anger. It had been the story of Bob's life. Life always had to be different for Bob.

Small when he was a kid, Bob was often bullied by other boys. He was too little at the time to compete in sports. He was often called names he'd rather not remember. From childhood, Bob was different and never seemed to fit in. Bob did complete college, married his loving wife and was grateful to get his job as a copywriter at Montgomery Ward during the Great Depression. Then he was blessed with his little girl. But it was all short-lived. Evelyn's bout with cancer stripped them of all their savings and now Bob and his daughter were forced to live in a two-room apartment in the Chicago slums. Evelyn died just days before Christmas in 1938.

Bob struggled to give hope to his child, for whom he couldn't even afford to buy a Christmas gift. But if he couldn't buy a gift, he was determined to make one - a storybook! Bob had created an animal character in his own mind and told the animal's story to little Barbara to give her comfort and hope. Again and again Bob told the story, embellishing it more with each telling. Who was the character? What was the story all about? The story Bob May created was his own autobiography in fable form. The character he created was a misfit outcast like he was. The name of the character? A little reindeer named Rudolph, with a big shiny nose. Bob finished the book just in time to give it to his little girl on Christmas Day. But the story doesn't end there.

The general manager of Montgomery Ward caught wind of the little storybook and offered Bob May a nominal fee to purchase the rights to print the book. Wards went on to print,_ Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer_ and distribute it to children visiting Santa Claus in their stores. By 1946 Wards had printed and distributed more than six million copies of Rudolph. That same year, a major publisher wanted to purchase the rights from Wards to print an updated version of the book.

In an unprecedented gesture of kindness, the CEO of Wards returned all rights back to Bob May. The book became a best seller. Many toy and marketing deals followed and Bob May, now remarried with a growing family, became wealthy from the story he created to comfort his grieving daughter. But the story doesn't end there either.

Bob's brother-in-law, Johnny Marks, made a song adaptation to Rudolph. Though the song was turned down by such popular vocalists as Bing Crosby and Dinah Shore , it was recorded by the singing cowboy, Gene Autry.  "Rudolph, the Red-Nosed Reindeer" was released in 1949 and became a phenomenal success, selling more records than any other Christmas song, with the exception of "White Christmas."

The gift of love that Bob May created for his daughter so long ago kept on returning back to bless him again and again. And Bob May learned the lesson, just like his dear friend Rudolph, that being different isn't so bad. In fact, being different can be a blessing.   

Here is the song as sung by Gene Autry:
  
 
MERRY CHRISTMAS 2010

'Tis The Season: Christmas Poems

Recipe for Christmas All Year Long
Take a heap of child-like wonder
That opens up our eyes
To the unexpected gifts in life—
Each day a sweet surprise. Mix in fond appreciation
For the people whom we know;
Like festive Christmas candles,
Each one has a special glow.
Add some giggles and some laughter,
A dash of Christmas food,
(Amazing how a piece of pie
Improves our attitude!)
Stir it all with human kindness;
Wrap it up in love and peace,
Decorate with optimism, and
Our joy will never cease. If we use this healthy recipe,
We know we will remember
To be in the Christmas spirit,
Even when it's not December.By Joanna Fuchs 

 

'Tis The Season-Some Old Music Favorites

Jingle Bells


Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

Rudolph The Red-Nosed Reindeer

Frosty The Snow Man

Ain't Christmas fun?...

'Tis The Season - Christmas Music

Most of us have our favorite radio stations to listen to while we are driving. My favorite station has been playing Christmas music all this month. Some of the songs I have never heard before - keeps it interesting and enjoyable. Listening to Christmas music helps me to get in the spirit of the season.

I love listening to music and especially this time of year so I thought I would share some great music with you.

By the way you can minimize your screen for this site, continue listening and go about your business on the internet or just listen. Or you can use this link and the player will pop-out for you and you can close out of this site. When the player pops-out just minimize the page.
http://www.playlist.com/playlist/18747724811/standalone

Sorry, I had to take the player off of this post because it wouldn't shut up.

'Tis The Season - A Special Gift

A Special Gift
From http://www.24kvintageart.com

"Christmas Countdown Vintage Christmas"

"Christmas Countdown PDF E-Book: This fascinating Christmas countdown collection explores a different aspect of the history and traditions of Christmas. Each day, starting on December 1st and continuing through to Christmas, features an article about the origins of Christmas traditions, wonderful poems from earlier centuries and beautiful vintage Christmas artwork and illustrations from postcards and prints.

There are authentic Christmas recipes from times past, from medieval and Victorian times and beautiful desktop wallpapers featuring vintage art and antique art reproductions that you can download."

Go to for your special gift: http://www.24kvintageart.com/library/christmas-countdown.html


While looking for something else that I had stored on my computer I just happen to come across this great e-book that I had downloaded some time ago. I hope you will enjoy it.

"A Day Of Infamy"

 December 7, 1941, Sunday at 7:55 AM
Attack On Pearl Harbor 

"The staggering loss of life to US forces was over 2,400 with more than 2,000 others wounded. Indeed the largest total killed in one day/one engagement with an enemy force until the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. The Japanese had inflicted the worst defeat in American military history upon our forces. Hawaii was a US territory at the time and not yet a state. Another big difference from 9/11 to note is that most of these casualties were members of the armed services and not civilians." Source: http://www.pearlharborday.org/

1941 was a long time ago and most of the service personnel that survived the Pearl Harbor attack have since died but not all. I for one still have relatives that served during WWII. To them I give my sincere gratitude for all they did.

USS Arizona
Over 1,000 Sailors Are Entombed Under This Memorial

The Day Of Infamy
By Tiffini Bankos

        That fateful day, in December

        Is a day for all, to remember

        For it is the day we remember the lives that were lost at sea

       A day that still lives, in infamy

       The damage that has been done

       The battles that have been won

      We owe our thanks to those who gave their lives so we could be free

       On that day of infamy

        So now at night we pray

        For those who died that fateful day

Tis The Season - Christmas Quiz

In my searching and plowing through many sites and pages to find information, facts and fun stuff to post this month, I came across this Christmas Quiz. It is provided by TLC.

The Ultimate Christmas Quiz

I wish you much luck in trying to pass this one. I funked it miserably. Better do some more research and study what I find then maybe I can pass it.

Not as easy as you may think. 

Many more gifts in the form of post to come so stay tuned. There is no telling what I will come up with next for my Christmas gift to you.

It's The Season - Christmas Tree

Oh! Christmas Tree
Oh! Christmas Tree

A Christmas tree can be real or artificial. It doesn't really make any difference because it is the joy and blessings behind the Christmas tree that carries so much meaning.

Until I was 21 we always celebrated Christmas at my Grandparents house. I can remember how thrilled  and elated I was to be able to help my Grandmother decorate the tree on Christmas eve. That's right. My Grandmother never put up the Christmas tree until Christmas eve. And, it was always a real fir tree.

Now, they are put up way before Christmas. The reason must be to hurry up and bring on the joy and the wonder of the Christmas season. You can't put up a Christmas tree without having a smile on your face and feeling this great inner joy. Well, unless those dang lights are so tangled up you get so frustrated and throw them in the trash and go get some more. Been there - done that. Now I just leave them on my artificial tree.

The tradition of putting up and decorating a tree for Christmas goes way back to the 16th century. That's a long time, folks.

And, did you know a star or angel is also traditional. They represent the Star of Bethlehem and the band of angels at the nativity.

I found some very interesting tid-bits about the origin and history at this site Christmas Tree Farm Network.
Worth the read.



“The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other” ~~ Burton Hills

It's The Season - Hanukkah

Hanukkah also romanized as Chanukah
8 Day Festival of Lights

Festival of Lights is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple. It begins on the eve of the 25th of the Jewish month of Kislev.   






According to chabad.org, Hanukkah for 2010 is Dec. 1st - Dec. 9th. This is also where I got the information for most of this post.

The festival is observed by the kindling of the lights of a unique candelabrum, the nine-branched Menorah or Hanukiah, one additional light on each night of the holiday, progressing to eight on the final night. The typical Menorah consists of 9 branches. Uncontaminated olive oil was used




More than twenty-one centuries ago, the Holy Land was ruled by the Seleucids (Syrian-Greeks), who sought to forcefully Hellenize the people of Israel. Against all odds, a small band of faithful Jews defeated one of the mightiest armies on earth, drove the Greeks from the land, reclaimed the Holy Temple in Jerusalem and rededicated it to the service of God.

Hanukkah celebrates the triumph of light over darkness, of purity over adulteration, of spirituality over materiality.




Source for most of this post:
http://www.chabad.org/holidays/chanukah/default_cdo/jewish/Hanukkah.htm

 

 Happy Hanukkah

It's The Season - Part One

Four weeks before Christmas. My, how time seems to go by so fast especially as I get older. My step-mother reminds me often that as we become part of the older generation that time goes by much faster then it did when we were much younger. I now, totally agree.

But, also, four weeks before Christmas is the beginning of Advent. The fourth Sunday before Christmas is set as the start of Advent. This year that date was November 28. Advent is the season of preparation for the coming of Christ. It is a time to reflect, pray and meditate. A time to slow down and remember just why we have this "Christmas Season".

Advent marks the beginning of the new Christian year. In the church, the traditional color for Advent is purple - meaning a time of penitence, solemnity and simplicity. Quiet different from the hectic life that most of us experience during this time of year with all of the shopping, baking, visiting, parties, etc..

It is a time to get back to the basics. Learn more about how to do this by reading this page: Back To Basics

Many families and individuals use what is called an Advent Wealth during this time. This helps us to concentrate and begin our journey into our-self to learn and be reminded how Christ fits into our life.

The Advent Wreath is composed of three purple candles, one rose candle and you can place a white candle in the middle. This is surrounded by pine needles or whatever greenery you have. It has been used as a count-down to Christmas. Most of us that use or have used the Advent Wreath use it a time to reflect upon our faith. Learn how to use the Advent Wreath.

Advent is The Time to put Christ back into our life. It is the time to decide what is really important to you.



If you have read this far let me tell you that I called this post, "It's The Season - Part One"  for a reason. I will be making many more post between now and Christmas. Some will be to help you think. Some will be funny. Some you may not like because they just may make you uncomfortable. Some will be educational.

But, I promise you that my intent is to give you some rest from all of the running around. 

Thanksgiving - 2010

If you do a search on the internet for the word, "Thanksgiving" you will get a listing of many sites. Like I did.

I know what Thanksgiving means to me. It is a specific time to give thanks for all that I have. A time for gratitude. A time to give thanks to God for so many blessings. Yes, a time to be with family and friends in the celebration of life and gratitude for all.

On Wikipedia you can read this statement: "Thanksgiving Day, known informally as "Turkey Day," is a harvest festival celebrated primarily in the United States and Canada. Thanksgiving was a holiday to express thankfulness, gratitude, and appreciation to God, family and friends for which all have been blessed of material possessions and relationships. Traditionally, it has been a time to give thanks for a bountiful harvest. This holiday has since moved away from its religious roots."

What a shame! Thanksgiving for me will never move away from its religious roots.

Here is a video from http://www.history.com that I think you will find a little bit interesting:



My prayer for all of you: that you will have a wonderful and fun Thanksgiving. Full of delicious food and the comradery that only comes with being around family and friends. That you will be watched over as you travel and reach your destination safely. That you keep those less fortunate in your prayers and be thankful for what you do have.

A Thanksgiving Day Prayer

Lord, so often times, as any other day
When we sit down to our meal and pray

We hurry along and make fast the blessing
Thanks, amen. Now please pass the dressing

We're slaves to the olfactory overload
We must rush our prayer before the food gets cold

But Lord, I'd like to take a few minute more
To really give thanks to what I'm thankful for

For my family, my health, a nice soft bed
My friends, my freedom, a roof over my head

I'm thankful right now to be surrounded by those
Whose lives touch me more than they'll ever possibly know

Thankful Lord, that You've blessed me beyond measure
Thankful that in my heart lives life's greatest treasure

That You, dear Jesus, reside in that place
And I'm ever so grateful for Your unending grace

So please, heavenly Father, bless this food You've provided
And bless each and every person invited

Amen! --Scott Wesemann

Elaine

Inner Peace

 Beautiful pictures with positive affirmations to help you relax and gain control over the negative inner self.

How do we attain 'inner peace'? By changing what and how we think. 

An affirmation is a statement that is assumed to be true. Using positive affirmations is a powerful means of converting any negative thoughts into life changing positive thoughts. It is the repetitive repeating of the statement that will help you to make any necessary changes.




If you think that you could use some positive affirmations in your life and really, I don't know anyone that couldn't, then check out Bill Marshall's Power Affirmations. Bill will give you 203 Power Affirmations MP3s for signing up for his newsletter. It is worth putting your name and email address on the form.

Veterans Day - 2010

"In November 1919, President Wilson proclaimed November 11 as the first commemoration of Armistice Day with the following words: "To us in America, the reflections of Armistice Day will be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service and with gratitude for the victory, both because of the thing from which it has freed us and because of the opportunity it has given America to show her sympathy with peace and justice in the councils of the nations…"

Do you know why we salute this day, November 11, as Veterans Day? November 11, 1918 marked the end of WW I. At that time it was meant to give honor to the veterans serving in that war. And, it was called Armistice Day.

With the end of WW II and the Korean War the name was changed to reflect honor to all veterans regardless of which war they served in. On June 1, 1954 the word Armistice was changed to Veterans. This continues to today.

Veterans Day: A celebration to honor America's veterans for their patriotism, love of country, and willingness to serve and sacrifice for the common good.

 

I would like to also recognize our American neighbors, Canada, to our north on this their Independence Day - a day to give tribute to those Canadians that have served and sacrificed in any armed forces arena.





Freedom is certainly not free...

Thank You... 

If you could play games and earn money, would you do it? Free to join.
http://ping.fm/DxmWG

Be Easy On Yourself

Esther Hicks inspiring you to be your best. To leave behind the heavy baggage of your life. When you allow yourself to be good you are happy and at peace through out your whole self.

At FantaZ you can play online games for free or win cash prizes. You can also turn it into your very own business. http://ping.fm/R7rUp

A Haunting For You

I just couldn't let Halloween go by without having some fun. Hopefully you will enjoy this as much I did putting it together. 

The witch is on her broom 

Riding to your house

Out from it's den comes the mouse

The cat is enjoying the sight

Seeing all of your fright...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Five Little Pumpkin Sitting On A Gate

Five little pumpkins sitting on a gate,
The first one said,
"Oh my, it's getting late."
The second one said,
"But we don't care."
The third one said,
"I see witches in the air."
The fourth one said,
"Let's run, and run, and run."
The fifth one said,
"Get ready for some fun."
Then whoosh went the wind,
and out went the lights,
And five little pumpkins rolled out of sight!

Help the witch reach the castle.

 

Now help the witch get to her friends quickly 

She might be on her way to see you!

Spooks
 by Sandra Liatsos

There's a goblin at my window,
A monster by my door.
The pumpkin at my table
Keeps on smiling more and more.
There's a ghost who haunts my bedroom,
A witch whose face is green.
They used to be my family,
Till they dressed for Halloween.

Now For Your Treat - Sorry can't hand out candy through the screen so I decided to give you a game that you can play for one hour for free.

Amelia's Cafe - Halloween

 I had fun. Hope you did...

Have a safe and spooky Halloween!!!!!

Elaine

Love

Just had to share this video, 'Love Is Energy - Pass It Forward'. Can't get much better than that.  Love is only real if you share it.



Blessings...

God's Instructions - From InspiringThots

Don't Be Part Of The 75%

The below article is taken from Dick Innes's "Daily Encounter" newsletter. I think the first sentence is horrible. If you are an American citizen you need to vote. If you are not registered, you need to register by Oct. 4th. It takes only about 4 minutes on line to register. Please don't be part of the 75% who don't go to the booths to voice their opinion.  

"Are you aware that “less than 60% of people who attend church are registered to vote—only 1 in 4 actually does” (http://123vote.com/).


That's why Washington thinks it can get away with taking over private industry, ignoring a skyrocketing national debt, brushing off soaring unemployment, turning healthcare on its head. Remember ever since it was voted to remove the Bible from schools, the U.S. has been on a moral decline. It is absolutely imperative that every American Christian vote on November 2.

To vote you have to be registered. There are only 8 days left to register to vote …. Be sure to register before October 4. You can register online at: http://tinyurl.com/2ctchur.

And be sure to vote on November 2, and

Vote Your Values:
“Educate Yourself on Election Issues: The http://www.ivotevalues.org website is a great place to start.

“Pick Your Party: Consider how each political party's views on moral issues line up with your core values.

“Choose a Candidate: Know what the candidates stand for. Weigh the candidates' values against the life principles found in God's Word, and choose the candidates whose views most closely match Scripture.

“Pray for the Election. Election Day is fast approaching, and there is much at stake. In many ways, the future of our nation hangs in the balance. We encourage all concerned Christians to devote themselves to focused prayer for the election and for our nation.”¹

There are at least five good reasons why Christians should vote:

1. God has granted us authority. All authority belongs to God, but He has put human beings on the earth as caretakers. What is our task? We are to obey God in every area of life. This includes politics. It is imperative the every Christian makes godly decisions about government, and promote the efforts of, and vote for those who are already doing so.
2. We need to stand against evil. St. Augustine said those who are citizens of God's kingdom are best equipped to be citizens of the kingdom of man. The alternative is unthinkable. In the 20th Century, atheistic and secular humanistic leaders gained control of nations all across Europe, Asia and Africa. What was the result? According to historian R. J. Rummel, almost 170 million men, women and children have been brutally murdered by these governments, all in the name of human progress. These facts led historian John Hallowell to note,
   
   “Only through a return to faith in God, as God revealed Himself to man in Jesus Christ, can modern man and his society find redemption from the tyranny of evil.”

3. Christian values contribute positively to society. The Bible’s solutions make sense. It is Christian involvement in government through the ages that gave us hospitals, civil liberties, abolition of slavery, modern science, the elevation of women, regard for human life, great works of art and literature, a workable system of justice, education for common people, the free-enterprise system, and much, much more.
   
   When we see the good that results from applying God's principles, and the horror that results from rejecting them, doesn't it seem cruel and irresponsible to keep Jesus’ teachings about truth, love and compassion to ourselves? At very least, we should vote to keep OUT of office those who attempt to oppose God's authority.

4. Obedience to authority demands good citizenship. The Apostle Paul in Romans, Chapter 13, clearly states that we must obey governmental leaders because all authority comes from God. Here's the catch: in America, the people are the leaders! Here, at least, we express our obedience to God by exercising our rights and privileges as citizens. That means voting.
5. Good citizenship sets an example for generations to come. Those who apply God's principles to government pave the way for generations of blessing. In 1768 a Christian minister named John Witherspoon became president of the College of New Jersey, now Princeton. While there he taught biblical principles of government to his students.
   
   Of the 478 young men who were graduated during his tenure, writes author John Eidsmoe, “114 became ministers; 13 were state governors; 3 were U. S. Supreme Court judges; 20 were U.S. Senators; 33 were U. S. Congressmen; Aaron Burr, Jr. became Vice-President; and James Madison became President.”
   
   As a Christian, Witherspoon exerted an enormous influence on the direction of American government.  
   Tragically, the alternative to voting for candidates with high moral values is to slip further down the road to abortions, same sex marriage, separation of church and state, kicking God out of our schools, etc., etc.

Christians of America wake up and vote. And stop voting for politicians who have a desire to take away more and more of our freedom. Stop voting for politicians who have been in government so long, they no longer know the difference between right and wrong. Stop voting for politicians who vote to kill our babies. Stop voting for politicians who vote to take your freedoms away from you. Stop voting for politicians who talk well, look better, but do nothing but destroy our country from the inside out. We live in America the beautiful.

It is time to stand up and vote for candidates who want America to continue to have freedom for her people. The fight begins this November. November will be the time we vote for new faces to take over old faces in the Congress and Senate. Check out these people closely. Don’t vote for empty promises. Empty promises mean nothing because they are nothing.

Vote for candidates who will stand up for our country. Vote for candidates who will stand up for our constitution. Vote for candidates who will stand up for unborn babies. Vote for candidates who will stand up for our freedom. Vote for candidates who will stand up for freedom of religion (not freedom of worship as this is not freedom of religion). Yes, freedom for Christian people too. Vote for candidates who will look you in the eye and say Merry Christmas. Vote for candidates who respect God and country. Vote for candidates who are not politically correct.  Vote for candidates who are against government control. Vote for candidates who believe the United States Government is “of the people, by the people, and for the people.”

It is time to vote with your convictions and morals in mind. Yes, I am talking to all the Christian people in the U.S.A. If you want to continue to worship your God in this country with freedom of religion, you had better vote for people who respect Christianity."

Note: Much of the material was gleaned from various sources and contributed by Jerry Beavan of American News Commentary.

1. Source: Candi Cushman, "Remember Florida," Citizen, July 2004, p. 24.

Yes, I Remember

This is a video version of the poem "Meet Me In The Stairwell" by Stacey Randall. It was made into a song titled "I Was There". The poem was written in relation to where was God during this time.

 

'MEET ME IN THE STAIRWELL'

("I WAS THERE")

You say you will never forget where you were when
you heard the news
On September 11, 2001.
Neither will I.

I was on the 110th floor in a smoke filled room

with a man who called his wife to say 'Good-Bye.'

I held his fingers steady as he dialed.

I gave him the peace to say, Honey, I am not going to make it,

but it is OK...I am ready to go.

'I was with his wife when he called

as she fed breakfast to their children.

I held her up as she tried to understand his words

and as she realized he wasn't coming home that night.

I was in the stairwell of the 23rd floor when a

woman cried out to Me for help.

'I have been knocking on the door

of your heart for 50 years!' I said.

'Of course I will show you the way home - only

believe in Me now.'

I was at the base of the building with the Priest

ministering to the injured and devastated souls.

I took him home to tend to his Flock in Heaven. He

heard my voice and answered.

I was on all four of those planes, in every seat,

with every prayer. I was with the crew as they

were overtaken. I was in the very hearts of the

believers there, comforting and assuring them that their

faith has saved them.

I was in Texas , Virginia , California , Michigan , Afghanistan.

I was standing next to you when you heard the terrible news.

Did you sense Me?

I want you to know that I saw every face. I knew

every name - though not all know Me. Some met Me

for the first time on the 86th floor.

Some sought Me with their last breath.

Some couldn't hear Me calling to them through the

smoke and flames; 'Come to Me... this way... take

my hand.' Some chose, for the final time, to ignore Me.

But, I was there.

I did not place you in the Tower that day.

You may not know why, but I do. However, if you were;

there in that explosive moment in time,

would you have reached for Me?

Sept. 11, 2001, was not the end of the journey for you.

But someday your journey will end.

And I will be there for you as well.

Seek Me now while I maybe found.

Then, at any moment, you know you are 'ready to go.'

I will be in the stairwell of your final moments.

~God~

Copyright©2002 Stacey Randall 

 

Do you remember what you were doing on 9-11-2001?

I remember exactly what I was doing and where I was. I also remember too vividly the feelings that swelled up inside of me as I watched the horrific screens that kept coming up on the TV. The feelings that escaped through tears of pain, fear and disbelief. 

Yes, I remember!!!!!!

My prayers are still with you...

You Be the Change!

This video may not be in English but I bet you get the point. You be the change that you so much desire. Don't wait for someone else. Step out and take control. Try and try again until you succeed. Make a difference in your life and in the lives of others. You will be glad you did.




Elaine

eFusjon closes its doors. http://ping.fm/EwgDs

"Dreams Are Whispers From the Soul"

Hope you enjoy this beautiful video from Marcia Wieder of Dream University.

Never loose your dreams. Make them real.

Many Blessings to you

Elaine

Please remember to share this with your family and friends. Your comments are always welcome.

Natures Inspiration

The amazing beauty of nature provides many moments and small pleasures to treasure. We sometimes tend to be moving so fast that we forget this gift. Maybe this small token will help to remind us.



Natures Inspiration Movie


Elaine

A Song Worth Listening To

Kate Smith singing God Bless America
I couldn't resist posting this. Received it in an email.

The story behind this song:
In early 1940, Kate Smith, a fiercely patriotic American, and the biggest star on radio,
was deeply worried  about her country.  She asked Irving Berlin if he could give her a
song that would reignite the spirit of American  patriotism and faith.  He said he had a
song that he had written in 1917, but never used it.  He said she  could have it.

Kate sat at the piano & played it and realized how good it was.  She called Mr. Berlin
and told him that she couldn't take this from him for nothing.  So, they agreed that
any money that would be  made off the song would be donated to the
Boy Scouts of America.  Thanks to Kate Smith and Irving Berlin, the  Scouts have
received millions of dollars in royalties.

This clip is from the movie "You're in the Army  Now".  You will see a familiar face in
this--one that we are all very proud of.  Frank Sinatra said that when Kate Smith,
whom he considered the greatest singer of his age, first sang this song on the radio,
a  million guys got 'dust' in their eyes and had  you wipe the tears the 'dust' caused.  
If you can watch and listen without 'dust' getting in your eyes, you have no soul.
Sit back and enjoy a Real Star.

Are you doing busy work?
http://ping.fm/nnDT6

Life Is Too Short

Life is just too short not to have fun with it.

One of the hardest actions that we can perform is to laugh or smile at our self. Allow yourself to smile at yourself. Before you open your mouth and say a four letter word or make a stupid remark which will only make yourself all stressed out, smile at yourself, shake your head and relax.

The following quotes are from Jonathon Lockwood Huie at Dance Lightly

"Play with life, laugh with life, dance lightly with life, and smile at the riddles of life, knowing that life’s only true lessons are writ small in the margin."

"Say NO to the demands of the world. Say YES to the longings of your own heart."

"There is a secret wisdom-of-the-ages that holds the key to breaking our cycle of self-imposed suffering. The secret wisdom is, "Life is not supposed to be fair."

"You don’t have the power to make life “fair,” but you do have the power to make life joyful."

"Life is NOT "Supposed to be Fair." Know that there is no single way that life is "supposed" to be. Demanding that life meet our expectations is a sure fire recipe for a miserable existence. Life is a game with no rules. Life just happens to us regardless of our best intentions. Our only path to happiness lies in being open to receiving whatever life throws at us - with Gratitude. Have NO Expectations of life."

Be sure to visit Jonathon's website. And, if you like inspirational quotes with beautiful pictures be sure to signup for his newsletter. 

Sending you many Blessings...
Elaine

I Will Never Regret

I would never trade my amazing friends, my wonderful life, my loving family for less gray hair or a flatter belly.
As I've aged, I've become  kinder to myself, and less critical of  myself. I've become my own friend.
I don't chide myself for eating  that extra cookie, or for not making my bed, or for buying that silly
cement gecko that I didn't need, but looks so avante garde on my patio. I am entitled to a treat,
to be messy, to be extravagant.

I  have seen too many dear friends leave this world too soon; before they understood the great
freedom that comes with aging.

Whose business is it if I choose to read or play on the computer until 4 AM and sleep until noon?
I will dance with myself to those wonderful tunes of the 60  &70's, and if I, at the same time,
wish to weep over a lost love  ..... I will.

I will walk the beach in a swim suit that is stretched over a bulging body, and  will dive into
the waves with  abandon if I choose to, despite the pitying glances from the jet set.
They, too, will get  old.

I know I am sometimes forgetful. But there again, some of life is just as well forgotten.
And I eventually remember the important  things.

Sure, over the years my heart has been broken. How can your heart not break when
you lose a loved one, or when a child suffers, or even when somebody's beloved pet gets
hit by a car?  But broken  hearts are what give us strength and understanding and compassion.
A heart never broken is pristine and sterile and will never know the joy of being imperfect.

I  am so blessed to have lived long enough to have my hair turning gray, and to have my
youthful laughs be forever etched into deep grooves on my face.

So many have never laughed, and so many have died before their hair could turn silver.

As  you get older, it is easier to be positive. You care less about what other people think.
I don't question myself anymore.  I've even earned the right to be wrong.

So, to answer your question, I like being old. It has set me free. I  like the person I have
become.  I am not going to live forever, but while I am still here, I will not waste time
lamenting what could  have been,  or worrying about what will be. And I shall eat dessert
every single day (if I feel like it).

(I received this in an email and liked it so well that I decided to post it here for all to read. It speaks to my exact thinking.)

Time To Think!

Imagine that you had won the following prize in a contest:

Each morning your bank would deposit $86,400.00 in your private account for your use. However, this prize had rules, just as any game has certain rules.

The first set of rules would be:

1. Everything that you didn't spend during each day would be taken away from you.
2. You may not simply transfer money into some other account.     
3. You may only spend it.
4. Each morning upon awakening, the bank opens your account with another $86,400.00 for that day.
 
The second set of rules:

1. The bank can end the game without warning; at any time it can say, It's over, the game is over!
2. It can close the account and you will not receive a new one.

What would you personally do?
You would buy anything and everything you wanted, right?
Not only for yourself, but for all the people you love, right?
Even for people you don't know, because you couldn't possibly spend it all on yourself, right?
You would try to spend every cent, and use it all, right?
 
 
ACTUALLY, this GAME is REALITY!

Each of us is in possession of such a magical bank. We just can't seem to see it.

The MAGICAL BANK is TIME!
Each morning we awaken to receive 86,400 seconds as a gift of life, and when we go to sleep at night, any remaining time is NOT credited to us.
What we haven't lived up to that day is forever lost.
Yesterday is forever gone.
Each morning the account is refilled, but the bank can dissolve your account at
any time....WITHOUT WARNING.

SO, what will YOU do with your 86,400 seconds?

Aren't they worth so much more than the same amount in dollars?

Think about that, and always think of this:
Enjoy every second of your life, because time races by so much quicker than you think.
So take care of yourself, and enjoy life!

Here's wishing you a wonderfully beautiful day!!!

Author Unknown

May you have a fun July 4th and remember why we celebrate this day.

Celebration Of Freedom

July 4, 2010

A day of celebration by enjoying fireworks, picnics, getting together with family and friends and eating out.

"In the United States, Independence Day, commonly known as the Fourth of July, is a federal holiday commemorating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776, declaring independence from the Kingdom of Great Britain." ~~ Wikipedia

I pledge allegiance to the flag of the United States of America

And to the Republic for which it stands

One nation under God

Indivisible with liberty

And Justice for all.

"We must never forget who
Gets the credit for the freedoms we have, of which we should be
Eternally grateful...

How many pilots' planes Shot down? 

How many died at sea

How many foxholes were soldiers' Graves ? 

No, freedom isn't free 

I heard the sound of Taps One night, 

When everything was still, 

I listened to the bugler Play

And felt a sudden chill. 

I wondered just how many times 

That Taps had meant 'Amen,'  

When a flag had draped a Coffin. 

Of a brother or a friend.   

I thought of all the Children, 

Of the mothers and the wives, 

Of fathers, sons and Husbands

With interrupted lives.   

I Thought about a graveyard 

At the bottom of the sea  

Of unmarked graves in Arlington . 

No, freedom isn't free."  

By Unknown Poet

Enjoy Your Freedom!! 

Give Thanks to All That Have Sacrificed So We Can Be Free!!

 
Please keep safe this holiday.

Blessings to you all...

Hope you enjoy this special gift from The Singing Man:
Fourth 2010