FOR SATURDAY, JULY 7, 2007

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

JULY 7TH, 2007

TODAY'S THOUGHT

We tend to get what we expect.

Norman Vincent Peale

TODAY’S ACTION

Keep your wonder of great and noble things.

TODAY’S QUOTE

The only thing that ever sat its way to success was a hen.

Sarah Brown

HAPPY SATURDAY!

07/07/07

With all these seven’s in the date it should be a lucky day! It is for me anyway! I’m off to visit the campers!!! This is my second favorite place to be, the first is of course The Beach!

We camped for many summers when the babes were growing up. It was truly a fun time and enjoyed by all of us! I loved being out where it’s quiet and you have the woods around you and lots of fresh air and sunshine! You could sit out and watch the sunrise and sit somemore and watch the sun set.

I was a camper that liked to take it easy and rest. Things have changed considerably since then…now the campers all have a/c and microwaves!

I’m off about 8 this morning and should be home by dark!

Have a great day all ! Another wonderful one on the Way !

Please pray for God's protection of our troops and HIS wisdom for their commanders.

Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. I ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

25 WORDS

God, I thank You for today, for the ways You will bless me, and for the ways that I will serve others in Your name

TODAY IS…ICE CREAM CONE DAY

For centuries, ice cream was served in saucers. It wasn't until 1904 at the St. Louis World's Fair that ice cream was sold in a cone. When an ice cream vendor ran out of paper dishes, he ran to the next booth where a man was selling waffles. He rolled a waffle, filled it with ice cream, and the rest is history. Within a decade, 1/3 of the ice cream eaten in the U.S. was eaten from a waffle cone.

TODAY’S TRIVIA

Today is Father-Daughter Take A Walk Together Day,

Today is Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter's 61st wedding anniversary. The former First Couple married when Jimmy was 21 and Rosalynn was 18

Today is National Strawberry Sundae Day

Today is National Chocolate Day.

1949: A new type radio show premiered on NBC dramatizing cases from actual police files. Each show began "The story you are about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent." Dum-de-dum-dum! Dragnet, starring Jack Webb, was born.

1956: Johnny Cash made his first appearance on the "Grand Ole Opry."

 TODAY’S SMILE

A Child's Prayer:

Dear Lord, tonight I want to ask something special of you... change me into a TV set. I want to take it's place to be able live the life that the TV lives in our house:

- To have a special room just for me;

- To bring together the members of my family, all around me;

- To be the center of attention, that all want to hear without being interrupted or questioned;

- To have them take me seriously when I speak;

- To feel the special and immediate care the TV receives when it doesn't work perfectly;

- To have the company of my father even though he arrives tired from work;

- To have my mom seek me out when she's alone and bored, instead of ignoring me;

- To have my brothers and sisters fight amongst themselves to be with me and to have them all enjoy themselves with me even though sometimes I don't have anything to say to them;

- To live the feeling that they will drop everything to spend some time at my side I'm not asking a lot of you Lord

- all of this is what every TV experiences!!

TODAY’S WORD

sere \SEER\, adjective:

Dry; withered.

Recent rains have done little to relieve the sere conditions.

Sere comes from Old English sear, "dry."

TODAY’S REFLECTION

I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, and to know this love that surpasses knowledge -- that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

Ephesians 3: 17b-18

I believe that most of us would pray this way for our children. In times of disappointment or sorrow, you have his comfort. In crises of your life, you can rely on his wisdom.

You can step forward, no matter what the challenge may be. Nothing in life is secure. When your security is based on Christ's enduring love, you can face any and all challenges, without doubt or fear.

http://www.dailyguideposts.com

TODAY’S ADVICE FROM THE OLD FARMER’S ALMANAC

Foods defrosted in a microwave oven should be cooked immediately after thawing.

77 DAYS UNTIL AUTUMN!

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your Heart

 Psalm 37:4

May there be a miracle in YOUR life today and may you have the EYES to SEE it!

I Love You All !!!

Be Blessed !!!

MA

 MY HOMEPAGE

 I believe we should live ‘ON THE BRIGHT SIDE’

www.bigmarainey.com

MY JOURNALS

http://journals.aol.com/marainey1/GoodMorningSunshine/

 http://onyama.blogspot.com/

To see archived ‘On the Bright Side’ Newsletters click on the link below: http://journals.aol.com/marainey1/ONTHEBRIGHTSIDE/

BRIGHT SIDE LOGO BY SON #6

http://www.littlerainey.com/index.html

 

FOR FRIDAY, JULY 6TH, 2007

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

JULY 6TH, 2007

TODAY'S THOUGHT

In Him we live, and move, and have our being.

Acts 17:28

TODAY’S ACTION

Every day, preferably about midafternoon when an energy lag usually comes, affirm that God’s recreative energy is restoring strength and power to every part of your body, your mind, and your soul.

TODAY’S QUOTE

Nice guys finish first. If you don’t know that, then you don’t know where the finish line is.

Garry Shandling, comedian

HAPPY FINALLY FRIDAY!

The last day of the work week has come and I’m really ready for the weekend. We’ve had very little rain here and things are beginning to look brown everywhere you go.

Yesterday I noticed leaves falling from a tree. It must be affected by the draught we’re having as the leaves were turning brown too.

We watered the grass and flowers good here night before last and probably will again tonight. A good rain would do wonders for sure.

We had a very nice dinner with my Aunt last night and we went to Red Lobster, one of my favorite places. I had the coconut shrimp dinner. It was delicious.

Have a great day all ! Another wonderful one on the Way !

Please pray for God's protection of our troops and HIS wisdom for their commanders.

Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. I ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

25 WORDS

God, I thank You for today, for the ways You will bless me, and for the ways that I will serve others in Your name

TODAY IS…FILL AN AQUARIUM DAY

What's a great way to relax and lower your blood pressure? Install a home aquarium! You can go large or small, fresh water fish or tropical. You will end up with a wonderful place to rest your eyes when you need a quick break. Biggest mistake made by fish owners... overfeeding the fish. Biggest seller for tanks... those cute, little goldfish!

TODAY’S TRIVIA

Today is Buy Yourself a Toy You Always Wanted As a Child Day.

Today is National Fried Chicken Day

Today is Squirrel Appreciation Day.

1846: American Presbyterian clergyman John Sammis was born. He wrote the hymn "Trust and Obey." 1

932 - U.S. Postage rates went from two cents to three cents for first-class mail.

1963: The favorite song of every serviceman away from home entered the country charts. Bobby Bare's "Detroit City" instantly struck a chord with a chorus that pleaded, "I want to go home!"

1994: The movie "Forrest Gump" opened in theaters throughout the U.S.

TODAY’S SMILE

(Scene—Sunday A.M. assembly; silent prayer)

Max: God, I want to do great things.

God: You do?

Max: You bet! I want to teach millions! I want to fill the Rose Bowl! I want all of the world to know your saving power! I dream of the day....

 God: That's great. Max. In fact, I can use you today after church.

Max: Super! How about some radio and TV work or. . .or. . .or an engagement to speak to Congress?

God: Well, that's not exactly what I had in mind. See that fellow sitting next to you?

Max: Yes.

God: He needs a ride home.

Max (quietly): What? God: He needs a ride home. And while you're at it, one of the older ladies sitting near you is worried about getting a refrigerator moved. Why don't you drop by this afternoon and....

Max (pleading): But, God, what about the world?

God (smiling): Think about it.

by Max Lucado

TODAY’S WORD

sycophant • \SIK-uh-funt\ • noun : a servile self-seeking flatterer

"I can't stand sycophants," said Rosemary, "so if you want that promotion, do your best and let your work speak for itself."

TODAY’S REFLECTION

I will cause food to fall like rain from the sky for all of you. Every day the people must go out and gather what they need for that day.

Exodus 16:4

God liberated his children from slavery and created a path through the sea. He gave them a cloud to follow in the day and fire to see at night. And he gave them food. He gave them their most basic need: He filled their bellies. Each morning the manna came. Each evening the quail appeared.

“Trust me. Trust me and I will give you what you need.” The people were told to take just enough for one day. Their needs would be met, one day at a time. “Just take enough for today,” was God’s message. “Let me worry about tomorrow.”

The Father wanted the people to trust him.

http://maxlucado.com/

TODAY’S ADVICE FROM THE OLD FARMER’S ALMANAC

As July, so the next January.

78 DAYS UNTIL AUTUMN!

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your Heart

Psalm 37:4

May there be a miracle in YOUR life today and may you have the EYES to SEE it!

I Love You All !!!

Be Blessed !!!

MA

MY HOMEPAGE

I believe we should live ‘ON THE BRIGHT SIDE’

www.bigmarainey.com

MY JOURNALS

http://journals.aol.com/marainey1/GoodMorningSunshine/

http://onyama.blogspot.com/

To see archived ‘On the Bright Side’ Newsletters click on the link below:

http://journals.aol.com/marainey1/ONTHEBRIGHTSIDE/

BRIGHT SIDE LOGO BY SON #6

http://www.littlerainey.com/index.html

 

FOR MONDAY, JULY 5TH, 2007

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

JULY 5TH, 2007

TODAY'S THOUGHT

Freedom is the last, best hope of earth.

Abraham Lincoln

TODAY’S ACTION

Today pray for inspiration and guidance for the leaders of our city, state, nation.

TODAY’S QUOTE

Remember that children, marriages, and flower gardens reflect the kind of care they get.

H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

HAPPY THURSDAY!

Back to Work!

Today will be a very busy one for me so it is a very good thing that tomorrow is FRIDAY! I’ll be working just ½ day because my sisters and I have an appointment with my Dad’s lawyer this afternoon, then this evening we’ll all be going out to dinner with our Aunt and Uncle from California. They have been here on vacation and will be leaving on Monday.

Busy busy day!

Have a great day all ! Another wonderful one on the Way !

Please pray for God's protection of our troops and HIS wisdom for their commanders.

Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. I ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

25 WORDS

God, I thank You for today, for the ways You will bless me, and for the ways that I will serve others in Your name

TODAY IS…ALICE IN WONDERLAND DAY

Rev. Charles Lutwidge Dodgson was a mathematician who lectured at Oxford in England. Wanting to remain anonymous when he published his fun tales, he made up a fake name. It's that name that is now famous - Lewis Carroll. He wrote four version of "Alice in Wonderland" (originally called "Alice's Adventures Underground"). The story was first published in July, 1865, and has been a favorite of all ages ever since.

LINK TO READ ALICE ON LINE

http://www.bedtime-story.com/bedtime-story/classics-aliceinwonderland.htm

TODAY’S TRIVIA

Today is National Apple Turnover Day.

Today is National Feed the Ducks Day.

P.T. Barnum was born on this day in 1810 in Bethel, Connecticut. Most of what Barnum had to offer would be considered the side show of today’s circus. But it was he who created the circus as we know it.

1865 - William Booth formed the internationally acclaimed Salvation Army in London, England.

1948 - My Favorite Husband, with Lucille Ball, became the gifted redhead’s first regular radio program on CBS.

1954: Elvis Presley recorded for the first time in Memphis with guitarist Scotty Moore and bass slapper Bill Black. The result was Sun record #209, "That's All Right, Mama" and "Blue Moon of Kentucky."

TODAY’S SMILE

JUST FOR TODAY

Author Unknown

. . . smile at a stranger

. . . listen to someone's heart

 . . . drop a coin where a child can find it

. . . learn something new, then teach it to someone

. . . tell someone you're thinking of them

. . . hug a loved one

. . . don't hold a grudge

. . . don't be afraid to say "I'm sorry"

. . . look a child in the eye and tell them how great they are . . . look beyond the face of a person into their heart

. . . make a promise, and keep it

. . . call someone, for no other reason than to just say "hi"

. . . show kindness to an animal

. . . stand up for what you believe in

. . . smell the rain, feel the breeze, listen to the wind

. . . use all your senses to their fullest

 . . . cherish all your TODAYS

TODAY’S LINK

If you have an insect you are curious about, you just might find it on this site. If not, email the curator a photo and see if he can help you. http://www.whatsthatbug.com/index.html

TODAY’S WORD

phantasmagoria \fan-taz-muh-GOR-ee-uh\, noun:

1. A shifting series or succession of things seen or imagined, as in a dream.

2. Any constantly changing scene.

Phantasmagoria is from French phantasmagorie, from phantasme, "phantasm" (from Greek, from phantazein, "to make visible," from phantos, "visible," from phainein, "to show") + -agorie, perhaps from Greek agora, "assembly."

TODAY’S REFLECTION

Jesus said, 'If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.

John 8:31

We have a tendency to take for granted these wonderful privileges granted us in this free nation. Many of us live in prisons of fear, doubt, anxiety or cynicism, causing us to miss the everyday joys that are free to us.

We can choose what to eat, what to wear, where to live, what to believe. We can criticize our leaders without fear of death. We are blessed beyond belief. But not all of us are free.

With all our faults, we’re free to choose. And when we know the Lord and practice what he teaches, we are free indeed! http://www.dailyguideposts.com

TODAY’S ADVICE FROM THE OLD FARMER’S ALMANAC

A hero is a man who does what he can.

Romain Rolland

79 DAYS UNTIL AUTUMN!

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your Heart

Psalm 37:4

May there be a miracle in YOUR life today and may you have the EYES to SEE it!

I Love You All !!!

Be Blessed !!!

MA MY HOMEPAGE

I believe we should live ‘ON THE BRIGHT SIDE’

www.bigmarainey.com

 MY JOURNALS

http://journals.aol.com/marainey1/GoodMorningSunshine/

http://onyama.blogspot.com/

To see archived ‘On the Bright Side’ Newsletters click on the link below: http://journals.aol.com/marainey1/ONTHEBRIGHTSIDE/

BRIGHT SIDE LOGO BY SON #6

http://www.littlerainey.com/index.html

 

FOR WEDNESDAY, JULY 4TH, 2007

ON THE SIDE

JULY 4TH, 2007

TODAY'S THOUGHT

Patience and diligence, like faith, remove mountains.

William Penn

TODAY’S ACTION

Celebrate the unique gifts that you bring to the world.

TODAY’S QUOTE

If our country is worth dying for in time of war let us resolve that it is truly worth living for in time of peace.

Hamilton Fish

HAPPY WEDNESDAY!

and

 Happy 4th of July

It’s a day off for me and many others today. A day off in the middle of the week is just wonderful. I should be able to get lots done today. I’m home and none of the family will be visiting, so it’ll be a quiet 4th here.

Saturday will be my day of celebrating with the campers.

Have a great day all ! Another wonderful one on the Way !

Please pray for God's protection of our troops and HIS wisdom for their commanders.

Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. I ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

25 WORDS

God, I thank You for today, for the ways You will bless me, and for the ways that I will serve others in Your name

TODAY IS…BUFFALO BILL DAY

Buffalo Bill was born William Frederick Cody in Iowa in 1846. He was a Pony Express rider, Indian scout, horse thief and buffalo hunter. July 4, 1883, he presented his first Wild West show in North Platte, Nebraska. An outdoor exhibition of western scenes, Cody drove a stagecoach full speed, guns blazing into the arena. With attractions like Pony Express relay races and Custer's Last Stand, the popular show toured the US and Europe for years

TODAY’S TRIVIA

Today is U.S. Independence Day. The Continental Congress approved the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1776.

Today is Koko Day, marking the 36th birthday of Koko the Gorilla at the San Francisco Zoo. Koko speaks sign language, knows some 1,000 signs. Her full name is Hanabi-Ko, Japanese for "Fireworks Child."

Today is National Barbecued Spareribs Day

1802 US Military Academy officially opens (West Point, NY)

1817 Construction on Erie Canal begins

1831 Baptist clergyman Samuel Francis Smith penned the American patriotic hymn,'America' ('My Country, 'tis of Thee'). Smith was unaware that the tune, ironically, wasalso that of England's national anthem: 'God Save the Queen'!

1832 "America" 1st sung publicly

1865 1st edition of "Alice in Wonderland" is published 1970: Casey Kasem first hosted radio’s "American Top 40."

1959 America's new 49-star flag honoring Alaska statehood unfurled

1960 America's new 50-star flag honoring Hawaiian statehood unfurled

1996: HotMail, a free internet email service, began.

1997: The 400-millionth person visited Disneyland.

TODAY’S SMILE

The Fourth of July, when we stop to commemorate this nation’s heritage and celebrate ourinalienable right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of the perfect weed eater.

4th of July Quiz

1) Sisters Pauline Esther Friedman and Esther Pauline Friedman were both born on the 4th of July. They are better known as:

a. Carol Burnett/Mary Tyler Moore

b. Meg Tilley/Jennifer Tilley

c. Abigail Van Buren/Ann Landers

2) Three American Presidents have died on the 4th of July, but only one is listed below. Which one?

a. George Washington

b. James Monroe

c. Theodore Roosevelt

3) In what year did the Continental Congress adopt the Declaration of Independence?

a. 1754

b. 1776

c. 1792

4) The Declaration of Independence was signed in which city?

a. Philadelphia

b. Washington D.C.

c. Plymouth Rock

5) On July 4, 1850 President Zachary Taylor laid the cornerstone for the Washington Monument. What happened to him 5 days later?

a. He tripped over it, breaking his arm as he fell

b. He was exposed as initially opposing the monument

c. He died

6) What is the "official" name of the Statue of Liberty?

 a. Lady Liberty

b. Libertine

c. Liberty Enlightening the World

7) July is National Hot Dog Month. Hot dogs gained fame when President Franklin D. Roosevelt and Eleanor Roosevelt served hot dogs to King George VI andQueen Elizabeth in 1939. How many hot dogs does the average American eat each year?

a. 42

b. 70

c. 93

8) Whose signature is largest on the Declaration of Independence?

a. John Hancock

b. Benjamin Franklin

c. Daniel Webster

9) Which are the first words of the Declaration of Independence?

a. When in the course of human events...

b. We, the People, of the United States of America...

c. We hold these Truths to be self-evident...

Answers below, here's the scoring: 9 correct: You're a remarkable student of history! 5-8 correct: You're definitely a patriot. 1-4 correct: You're on the right track, don't let the train derail. 0 correct: Just visiting?

1) c. Abigail Van Buren/Ann Landers (Dear Abby/Dear Ann)

2) b. James Monroe

3) b. 1776

4) a. Philadelphia

5) c. He died (of cholera)

6) c. Liberty Enlightening the World

7) b. 70

8) a. John Hancock

9) a. When in the course of human events...

PS - The other two Presidents that died on July 4th were John Adams and Thomas Jefferson.

 Please count your blessings in honor of those who helped secure our independence and continue to help keep our country free.

Well, it's the Fourth of July, so eat, drink, and be merry – for tomorrow the stores start decorating for Christmas.

An Army private filling out a questionnaire for a correspondence course was stymied by the question, "How long has your present employer been in business?" He thought for a moment, then wrote, "Since 1776."

TODAY’S WORD

ratiocination \rash-ee-ah-suh-NAY-shun; rash-ee-oh-\, noun:

The process of reasoning.

For all their vaunted powers of ratiocination, grand masters of chess tend to be a skittery lot.

Ratiocination is from Latin rationcinatio, from ratiocinari, "to compute, to calculate, to reason," from ratio, "reckoning, calculation, reason," from reri, "to reckon, to think."

TODAY’S REFLECTION

 I will follow you sir, but first let me go and say goodbye to my people at home. Jesus said to him, "Once the hand is laid on the plough, no one who looks back is fit for the kingdom of God.

Luke 9: 51-62

Jesus in using the image of a plough was using something very familiar to the people. The main point he wants to make is that now is the time. If we are not fully committed to what we are doing, if we are half hearted, we will easily loose sight of our goal.

The key message is 'Don't turn back, don't even look back. The past is behind, today is the day. There is so much to accomplish but not if we're looking behind or afraid to move forward with our lives.

http://www.todayismygifttoyou.ie/

TODAY’S ADVICE FROM THE OLD FARMER’S ALMANAC

Deter red ants from your pantry or kitchen by spreading green sage or sprigs of tansy around.

80 DAYS UNTIL AUTUMN!

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your Heart

Psalm 37:4

May there be a miracle in YOUR life today and may you have the EYES to SEE it!

I Love You All !!!

Be Blessed !!!

MA

MY HOMEPAGE

I believe we should live ‘ON THE BRIGHT SIDE’

www.bigmarainey.com

MY JOURNALS

http://journals.aol.com/marainey1/GoodMorningSunshine/

http://onyama.blogspot.com/

To see archived ‘On the Bright Side’ Newsletters click on the link below: http://journals.aol.com/marainey1/ONTHEBRIGHTSIDE/

BRIGHT SIDE LOGO BY SON #6 http://www.littlerainey.com/index.html

 

FOR TUESDAY, JULY 3RD, 2007

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

JULY 3rd, 2007

TODAY'S THOUGHT

Hard work spotlights the character of people: some turn up their sleeves, some turn up their noses, and some don't turn up at all.

Sam Ewing

TODAY’S ACTION

Today get to know God better. Everyone is made in the image of God. The more you reach out to know people, the more you learn of God.

TODAY’S QUOTE

God is like a mirror. The mirror never changes, but everybody who looks at it sees something different.

Rabbi Harold Kushner

HAPPY TUESDAY!

Yesterday wasn’t bad at all and today should go pretty fast as it’s Payroll Day at work. One day early because of the holiday tomorrow. I’ll be off Wednesday and then back to work for only 2 days. I like these short work weeks.

I received a prayer request from my friend who’s great grand daughter we prayed for awhile back. The great grand daughter is now 4 months old and has been in the hospital since she was born. She’s now in critical condition, so please keep Alana in your prayers.

The weather has been holding in the 70’s during the day and the 50’s at night. But today it’s supposed to heat up with a chance of thunderstorms come evening.

Our 4th of July fire works may be rained out too…we’ll see !

Have a great day all ! Another wonderful one on the Way !

Please pray for God's protection of our troops and HIS wisdom for their commanders.

Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. I ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

25 WORDS

God, I thank You for today, for the ways You will bless me, and for the ways that I will serve others in Your name

TODAY IS… EAT BEANS DAY

Beans are just as important as fruits and vegetables in your plan for good nutrition. They are full of "anti-aging" agents (antioxidants), plus lots of other vitamins and minerals. And, if that isn't enough to convince you... there are a ton of ways to prepare them and they taste really great!

CALICO BEANS

 1 16-oz can pork 'n beans

1 16-oz can kidney beans

1 16-oz can lima beans (or butter beans)

6 slices of bacon

1/2 lb ground beef

1 onion, chopped

1/2 cup ketchup

1 teaspoon salt

3/4 cup brown sugar

1 teaspoon dry mustard

2 teaspoons vinegar

1. Fry 6 slices of bacon; drain and crumble. Save this for the topping. Brown the meat in the bacon grease. Add the chopped onion to the meat and saute. Drain off any remaining water or grease.

2. In a large bowl, mix the ketchup, salt, brown sugar, dry mustard and vinegar to make a sauce. Add the meat and onions. Mix well.

3. Drain some of the liquid from each can of beans, but leave enough so the beans won't go dry during baking. Stir the 3 cans of beans into the meat and sauce mixture. Pour into a casserol dish and top with the bacon crumbs.

4. Bake at 350 degrees for 40-50 minutes. Your baking time will depend on the depth of your baking dish. Use the shorter time for a shallow dish so the beans don't get dry.

TODAY’S TRIVIA

Dog Days begin today. Traditionally, the hottest 40 days of the year, blamed by our ancient ancestors on Sirius, the Dog Star. Dog Days are the 40 hottest days of summer when everybody feels hot and sticky and terrible and grumpy. Except air conditioning repairmen -- who can't get there until Friday because they're too busy getting rich.

Air Conditioning Appreciation Days begin today.

Today is National Chocolate Wafer Day.

1806 Michael Keens exhibits 1st cultivated strawberry

1890 Idaho admitted as 43rd US state

1922: Fruit Garden and Home magazine published its first issue. Two years later, the publication became Better Homes and Gardens.

1930 Veterans Administration created

TODAY’S SMILE

NAILS IN THE FENCE

There once was a little girl who had a bad temper. Her mother gave her a bag of nails and told her that every time she lost her temper, she must hammer a nail into the back of the fence.

The first day the girl had driven 37 nails into the fence. Over the next few weeks, as she learned to control her anger, the number of nails hammered daily gradually dwindled down. She discovered it was easier to hold her temper than to drive those nails into the fence.

 Finally the day came when the girl didn't lose her temper at all. She told her mother about it and the mother suggested that the girl now pull out one nail for each day that she was able to hold her temper.

The day passed and the young girl was finally able to tell her mother that all the nails were gone. The mother took her daughter by the hand and led her to the fence. She said, "You have done well, my daughter, but look at the holes in the fence. The fence will never be the same.

When you say things in anger, they leave a scar just like this one." You can put a knife in a person and draw it out. It won't matter how many times you say "I'm sorry", the wound is still there.

A verbal wound is as bad as a physical one.

What "holes" have you made recently? Some might be big and some might be small. Whatever they are, each hole that is made in anger makes life a little more ugly.

The next time you begin to feel angry, take a deep breath .... then, try to express yourself in a different way. In heated situations, I've learned to consciously shift my focus to my heart — and willing that the words I speak come right out of my heart ... not my head.

This approach has never failed to present the TRUTH with clarity and kindness.

ONE MORE…

Only great minds can read this This is weird, but interesting!

fi yuo cna raed tihs, yuo hvae a sgtrane mnid too Cna yuo raed tihs? Olny 55 plepoe out of 100 can. i cdnuolt blveiee taht I cluod aulaclty uesdnatnrd waht I was rdanieg. The phaonmneal pweor of the hmuan mnid, aoccdrnig to a rscheearch at Cmabrigde Uinervtisy, it dseno't mtaetr in waht oerdr the ltteres in a wrod are, the olny iproamtnt tihng is taht the frsit and lsat ltteer be in the rghit pclae. The rset can be a taotl mses and you can sitll raed it whotuit a pboerlm. Tihs is bcuseae the huamn mnid deos not raed ervey lteter by istlef, but the wrod as a wlohe. Azanmig huh? yaeh and I awlyas tghuhot slpeling was ipmorantt! if you can raed tihs forwrad it

TODAY’S LINK AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL

http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=1238131344620&source=jl999

TODAY’S WORD

ataraxia (at-uh-RAK-see-uh) also ataraxy, noun

A state of freedom from disturbance of mind.

[From Greek ataraktos (not disturbed), from tarassein (to disturb).]

Once ataraxia has been achieved, happiness cannot be augmented, either by more accomplishments or by a longer life.

TODAY’S REFLECTION

[Jesus said] But those who hear my words and do not put them into practice are like a man who built a house on the ground without a foundation

Luke 6:49

If a brick house is beginning to crack, it's useless to reset the bricks until the foundation is repaired. And so it is with the family, if selfishness and immaturity are at the helm of that family.

If husband and wife are fighting, or the children are rebellious, the foundation has got to be repaired. Before there can be a cure for the family problems, the mom and the dad in that home have to be solid or repaired.

There's no problem too big to overcome in a family if the foundation of personal integrity is found in mom and dad ... an integrity built on the character of Jesus that models unselfishness, sacrifice, and servanthood.

Builders can make an unstable house look classy ... for awhile. But eventually a house without a strong foundation is going to fall. So let's make life work a little better today -- examine the foundational values of your family and bring them into line with Jesus.

TODAY’S ADVICE FROM THE OLD FARMER’S ALMANAC

Just in time for Independence Day, the Old Farmer's Almanac comes up with this advice:

"If you want to be safe on the Fourth, don't buy a fifth on the Third."

I'll second that.

81 DAYS UNTIL AUTUMN!

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your Heart

Psalm 37:4

May there be a miracle in YOUR life today and may you have the EYES to SEE it!

I Love You All !!!

Be Blessed !!!

MA

MY HOMEPAGE

I believe we should live ‘ON THE BRIGHT SIDE’

www.bigmarainey.com

MY JOURNALS

 http://journals.aol.com/marainey1/GoodMorningSunshine/

http://onyama.blogspot.com/

To see archived ‘On the Bright Side’ Newsletters click on the link below: http://journals.aol.com/marainey1/ONTHEBRIGHTSIDE/

BRIGHT SIDE LOGO BY SON #6

http://www.littlerainey.com/index.html

FOR MONDAY, JULY 2ND, 2007

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

JULY 2ND, 2007

TODAY'S THOUGHT

 Not what we say about our blessings, but how we use them, is the true measure of our thanksgiving.

W.T. Purkiser

TODAY’S ACTION

Believe you can do anything you want to do if you work hard enough to achieve it.

TODAY’S QUOTE

Count no day lost in which you waited your turn, took only your share, and sought advantage over no one.

Robert Brault

HAPPY MONDAY!

BACK TO WORK !

Weather wise we had a beautiful weekend. I heard from most of our travelers and they are once again safely home again. Thank the dear Lord.

I am well rested and ready for another week. It will be a short one as we have the 4th of July holiday right in the middle of the week. It will be a catch up day for me.

Come the weekend I hope to be able to take Saturday off and visit my campers.

Have a great day all ! Another wonderful one on the Way !

Please pray for God's protection of our troops and HIS wisdom for their commanders.

Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. I ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

25 WORDS

God, I thank You for today, for the ways You will bless me, and for the ways that I will serve others in Your name

TODAY IS…VIOLIN LOVERS DAY

The violin can be traced back to the 9th century in Europe, with its origin probably in Asia. It took at least 450 years to devolop, but is a great example of the artistry learned over the centuries by people making stringed instruments. Today, violins are made of wood with steel strings and have a range of at least 3 octaves. They have to withstand the strong downward force of the strings on the bridge - which is about 17lbs (7.7kgs) of pressure.

TODAY’S TRIVIA

Today is Halfway Day. At noon, 2007 will be half gone

Today is Remember to Feed the Hummingbirds Day.

Today is National Baked Bananas Day.

The 2nd of July, 1964 signifies the date it was no longer legal in the United States to discriminate against others because of their race. It was on this day that U.S. President Lyndon Baines Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act of 1964 into law The law is still in effect ... with discrimination because of gender, age and religion also prohibited.

1916: Ken Curtis was born in Lamar, Colorado. He sang with the Tommy Dorsey band and the Sons of the Pioneers, but was probably best known as Festus Haggen on "Gunsmoke." He died at age 74 in 1991.

1939 - The Aldrich Family debuted on NBC radio. Mother Aldrich was heard to call, “Hen-ree! Henry Aldrich!” Mrs. Aldrich was named Alice; Mr. Aldrich was Sam; Henry’s sister was Mary; Henry’s mischief-making friend was Homer Brown; and Henry’s girlfriend was Kathleen. Henry, of course was, well, Henry.

1946 - CBS signed the Old Redhead, Arthur Godfrey to do a weekly nighttime radio show. Godfrey was soon hosting one of radio’s top shows, Talent Scouts.

1955: ABC Television premiered "The Lawrence Welk Show," featuring a 24-piece band and "Champagne Lady" Alice Lon. The show lasted 27 years.

TODAY’S SMILE

One woman tells of a time her dog disappeared. After searching diligently, she placed a "lost dog" ad in the local newspaper.

The following morning her phone rang and a weak, cracking voice began, "I'm calling about your dog." Then the caller coughed and cleared her voice a few times. She explained that she wasn't feeling well and that, in fact, she had not felt well since her husband's death three years ago.

She went on to relate that her parents, too, had passed away since then and her sister was diagnosed with a fatal ailment. Even her friends, she continued, were not doing well, and she gave details of their various maladies and described the funerals of several of them.

After 30 minutes of listening, sympathizing and even trying offers of help, the dog owner steered the conversation back to the original subject. "About the dog," she began.

"Oh," the caller replied, "I don't have him. I just thought I'd call to cheer you up."

TODAY’S WORD

convivial \kuhn-VIV-ee-uhl\, adjective:

Relating to, occupied with, or fond of feasting, drinking, and good company; merry; festive.

Convivial comes from Latin convivium, "a feast, entertainment, a banquet," from conviva, "a table-companion, a guest," from convivere, "to live with, hence to feast with," from com-, con-, with + vivere, "to live."

TODAY’S REFLECTION

I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit in you.

Ezekiel 36:26

God is telling us that when we surrender our lives to him, he not only gives us a new heart, but also a new spirit. Is your heart open to allow the Lord to dwell within? It can only be opened from the inside; and only you can allow God to give you "a new heart".

Jesus promised: "Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid" (John 14:27).

Loving God, give me a heart filled with love for you, my family, my friends and those I meet every day.

Amen.

 http://www.dailyguideposts.com

TODAY’S ADVICE FROM THE OLD FARMER’S ALMANAC

We can't help everyone, but everyone can help someone.

Ronald Reagan

82 DAYS UNTIL AUTUMN!

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your Heart

 Psalm 37:4

May there be a miracle in YOUR life today and may you have the EYES to SEE it!

I Love You All !!!

Be Blessed !!!

MA

MY HOMEPAGE I believe we should live ‘ON THE BRIGHT SIDE’

 www.bigmarainey.com

MY JOURNALS

http://journals.aol.com/marainey1/GoodMorningSunshine/

http://onyama.blogspot.com/

To see archived ‘On the Bright Side’ Newsletters click on the link below: http://journals.aol.com/marainey1/ONTHEBRIGHTSIDE/

BRIGHT SIDE LOGO BY SON #6

http://www.littlerainey.com/index.html

 

FOR SUNDAY, JULY 1ST, 2007

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

JULY 1ST, 2007

TODAY'S THOUGHT

Those who love deeply never grow old; they may die of old age, but they die young.

A.W. Pinero

TODAY’S ACTION

Every day, try to be a little wiser than you were the day before.

TODAY’S QUOTE

Become a possibilitarian. No matter how dark things seem to be or actually are, raise your sights and see the possibilities - always see them, for they're always there.

Norman Vincent Peale

HAPPY SUNDAY!

A new month and a new beginning. My day of R & R has a special meaning for me today.

Each new day offers us the chance to begin again. All the happenings of this day will be brand new and we have the chance once more to make the very best of them that we can.

A little refreshment for the soul and renewal for the mind and body are definitely needed here and I’m off to church this morning as always .

Thank our awesome God for His many blessings !

Another hill and sometimes a mountain,

But just when you reach the peak—

Your weariness if lifted

And you find the peace you seek.

Helen Steiner Rice

Have a great day all ! Another wonderful one on the Way !

Please pray for God's protection of our troops and HIS wisdom for their commanders.

Lord, hold our troops in your loving hands. Protect them as they protect us. Bless them and their families for the selfless acts they perform for us in our time of need. I ask this in the name of Jesus, our Lord and Savior.

25 WORDS

God, I thank You for today, for the ways You will bless me, and for the ways that I will serve others in Your name

TODAY IS…POPEYE’S BIRTHDAY!

Popeye first appeared in 1929, as part of the "Thimble Theatre" comic strip. He jumped to the movie screen in 1933 as an extra in a Betty Boop cartoon titled "Popeye the Sailor". He sang "I'm Popeye the Sailor Man", had his first fight with Bluto over Olive Oyl and said his first words - "Well, blow me down". The spinach growers credit Popeye with increasing spinach consumption by 33% and saving the spinach industry in the 1930s!

TODAY’S TRIVIA

Today is National Ginger Snap Day.

Today is Build a Scarecrow Day. T

oday is International Joke Day.

July is Make a Difference to Children Month.

July is National Hot Dog Month, Family Reunion Month, National Baked Bean Month, National Blueberries Month, Women's Motorcycle Month, and National Purposeful Parenting Month.

1890: Billy Sunday stole four bases as Pittsburgh embarrassed New York 16 to 2. Sunday swiped 84 bases that year, then retired from baseball at age 28 to answer the call of evangelism.

1910: Duncan Black and Alonzo Decker opened a machine shop in downtown Baltimore, making milk bottle cap machines. Six years later they hit it big with the first portable electric drill. 1916: Coca-Cola adopted its distinctive contoured bottle to set itself apart from competitors.

1963: The U.S. Postal Service introduced the 5-digit zip code.

1979: Sony introduced the Soundabout, a Walkman that sold for $200..

TODAY’S SMILE

On a beautiful summer's day, a father and his eight-year-old son were lying on the grass by the river bank, looking up at the sky and watching the wisps of clouds float gently overhead.

After a few minutes of silence, the boy turned to the father and said, "Dad, why are we here?" "That's a good question, Son. I think we're here to enjoy days such as this, to experience nature in all its glory, etc., etc., etc., etc.... Does that answer your question, son?"

"Not really, Dad. What I meant was, why are we here when Mom said to pick her up over an hour ago?"

ONE MORE…

I DREAD going to the dentist. Once, to ease my tension, I listed my middle name as "Wimp." The receptionist read it, laughed and assured me that many patients felt the same way.

Half an hour later, the receptionist came into the waiting room. Looking directly at me, she said, smiling, "The doctor will now see the wimp."

Three other people got up with me.

TODAY’S WORD

bifurcate \BY-fur-kayt; by-FUR-kayt\, transitive verb:

1. To divide into two branches or parts.

intransitive verb: 1. To branch or separate into two parts.

adjective: 1. Divided into two branches or parts; forked.

They were strolling up the paved walk which bifurcated the rolling front lawn of her house.

bifurcate comes from the past participle of Medieval Latin bifurcare, "to divide," from Latin bifurcus, "two-pronged," from bi- + furca, "fork."

TODAY’S REFLECTION

My mouth is filled with your praise, declaring your splendor all day long.

Psalm 71:8

It is easy to praise the Lord when life is sailing along on an even keel. It is when life's storm descends that praise becomes difficult. It is thought that King David wrote this psalm in his old-age, when he was beset by enemies who were trying to take over his throne.

Something mystical happens when we start each morning with praise and thanksgiving to God, expecting good things to happen. Somehow when we open our hearts and minds to him, he is able to help us conquer fearful and anxious thoughts.

http://www.dailyguideposts.com

TODAY’S ADVICE FROM THE OLD FARMER’S ALMANAC

Few people know how to be old.

La Rochefoucauld

83 DAYS UNTIL AUTUMN!

Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your Heart

Psalm 37:4

May there be a miracle in YOUR life today and may you have the EYES to SEE it!

I Love You All !!! Be Blessed!!!

MA

MY HOMEPAGE

I believe we should live ‘ON THE BRIGHT SIDE’

www.bigmarainey.com

MY JOURNALS

http://journals.aol.com/marainey1/GoodMorningSunshine/

http://onyama.blogspot.com/

To see archived ‘On the Bright Side’ Newsletters click on the link below:

http://journals.aol.com/marainey1/ONTHEBRIGHTSIDE/

BRIGHT SIDE LOGO BY SON #6

http://www.littlerainey.com/index.html