Monday, November 29, 2010

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. 

Tuesday, November 23, 2010

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

Sunday, November 21, 2010

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.

Wednesday, November 10, 2010

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... 

Thursday, November 4, 2010

If you could play games and earn money, would you do it? Free to join.
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Wednesday, November 3, 2010

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.


Tuesday, November 2, 2010

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