FOR SATURDAY, DECEMBER 24, 2005

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

DECEMBER 24TH, 2005

 

TODAY'S THOUGHT

Once again we are weaving the tapestry that is Christmas.

 Polly McKinstry

TODAY'S ACTION

Pursue righteousness and kindness

TODAY'S QUOTE

Some flowers grow best in the sun; others do well in the shade. God plants us where we grow best

God's Little Promise Book

ADVENT

Blessed be the Lord, the God of Israel, for He has visited and brought redemption to His people

Luke 1:68

As soon as Jesus was born, visitors began to come. First it was the shepherds. Then the wise men. Then Simeon and Anna. Then even the soldiers of Herod were sent to find Him. Together these visitors represent the people of every nation, coming by every possible path and conveyance to see Christ

This is Christmas Eve. Make sure you read the REAL story of CHRISTMAS. If you are alone read the Luke passage out loud. If you have family, take turns reading the verses and have every one take part.

After you finish reading the passage have a time of prayer. Remember to be thankful and have hearts of gratitude for all the Lord has done. It is not too early to ask the Lord to direct you in the New Year ahead. You never know what tomorrow will bring.

HAPPY  SATURDAY !!

I hope you all are ready for Christmas !  I certainly am.  My house is glowing with the lights of Christmas and the critters are all snug in their beds.  All is very quiet here - peaceful is the word.  I'm enjoying vacation days and getting a little bit done here and there. 

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

 

TODAY IS...FAMILY CAREGIVERS DAY

Sharing The Caring

We acknowledge with deep appreciation the family caregivers who give their love and support in the care of others.

Learn More From The National Family Caregivers Association http://www.nfcacares.org/

TODAY'S TRIVIA

1818 "Silent Night" composed by Franz Joseph Gruber; sung for 1st time the next day

1860 Joseph Jefferson's "Rip Van Winkle" premieres in New York NY

1955: The lovely Lennon Sisters debuted as featured vocalists on "The Lawrence Welk Show" on ABC. They became regulars with Welk within a month and stayed on the show until 1968

1970 Walt Disney's "The Aristocats" is released 1

997 1st time a Channukah candle is officially lit in Vatican City

TODAY'S SMILE

TOP TEN REASONS SANTA EXISTS

10 ALL THOSE PRESENTS COME FROM SOMEWHERE

 9 HE’S AT EVERY MALL

8 NO ONE ELSE WOULD LIVE AT THE NORTH POLE

7 NORAD TRACKS HIM EVERY YEAR

6 SOMEBODY FINISHES OFF THE COOKIES AND MILK

 5 Mrs. Clause is married to somebody

 4 The elves have a boss

3 Somebody has to feed Rudolph

2 Why else would we try to be good all year long

And the # 1 Reason that Santa exists:

MOM WOULD NEVER LIE

TODAY'S WORD

hyperborean \hye-per-BOR-ee-un\

adjective 1 : of or relating to an extreme northern region : frozen

2 : of or relating to any of the arctic peoples

TODAY'S REFLECTION

 Love never fails. But whether there are prophecies, they will fail; whether there are tongues, they will cease; whether there is knowledge, it will vanish away

I Corinthians 13:8

Today's scripture reminds us of the true meaning of Christmas. God loved us and sent his Son to show us the way to live and to bring us eternal life. Everything around us may cease or vanish away, but God's love will never fail us, if we trust and obey

Life may be unfair, but you need not allow it to conquer your spirit. Go to God in prayer, faith and determination. He will guide you through any storm

TODAY'S ADVICE FROM THE OLD FARMER'S ALMANAC

 To defeat sleepless nights, try as hard as possible to stay awake; you'll soon be asleep

 86 DAYS UNTIL SPRING

Sun rise: 7:51 AM, set: 5:02 PM today

Sun rise: 7:52 AM, set: 5:02 PM tomorrow

 Delight yourself in the Lord and

He will give you the desires of your Heart

Psalm 37:4

I Love You All !!!

Be Blessed !!!

Ma

MY JOURNALS

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

http://onyama.blogspot.com/

 BRIGHT SIDE LOGO BY SON #6

http://www.nois.com/rainey/rainey.htm

 

FOR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2005

 

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

DECEMBER 23rd, 2005

TODAY'S THOUGHT

A lovely thing about Christmas is that it's compulsory, like a thunderstorm, and we all go through it together

Garrison Keillor

TODAY'S ACTION

Assemble your thoughts with a thankful heart and present them to the world.

TODAY'S QUOTE

 He who has no Christmas in his heart will never find Christmas under a tree

 

 ADVENT

 Lo, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me; and suddenly there will come to the temple the Lord whom you seek, and the messenger of the covenant whom you desire. Yes, He is coming, says the Lord of hosts

Malachi 3:1

When we are grown, waiting for Christmas is not a major problem. Nevertheless, as the day approaches even grownups feel the urgency in the air. As we anticipate the celebration of Christmas, let us look around us. Are those around us anticipating joy and happiness or loneliness and depression?

 Do all you last minute running around today. Make sure you have all the ingredients for Christmas Breakfast and Christmas dinner. Check your Christmas Giving list and make sure you didn't forget anyone

HAPPY THANKFULLY FRIDAY !!

Ahhhhhh, vacation days are here ! I can’t tell you when I’ve had vacation days just to stay home. It seems like they are usually taken up by some kind of family event. Seems very strange, but nice.

There is no end of things to do here and I certainly will not get bored or too lazy.

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

 

TODAY IS...POPCORN POPPING DAY

The mystery of how popcorn pops is unvailed here! There is a tiny amount of water inside each kernel - when heated, it expands. Without a cover, kernels can pop three feet into the air!

HERE’S A CUTE LINK TO SOME POPCORN FACTS

http://www.popcorn.org/index.cfm

 

TODAY'S TRIVIA

Today is National PFEFFERNUESSE Day, a day to make those spicy cookies that are a Christmas tradition in Europe.

2 eggs

1 c. sugar

2 tsp. butter, softened

1 tsp. water

2 c. flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1 tsp. cinnamon

1/2 tsp. nutmeg

3/4 c. raisins

Icing or powdered sugar

In mixing bowl, beat eggs until light. Add sugar, butter and water, mix well. Sift together flour, baking powder and spices; stir in. Mix in raisins. Shape into 1 inch balls. Bake on greased baking sheet at 350 degrees for about 10 minutes or until light golden. Cool on wire racks. Toss cookies, a few at a time in icing or powdered sugar. Store in covered containers up to 1 month. Flavor enhances with age. Makes 4 1/2 to 5 dozen.

ICING: Whisk together 2 egg whites, 2 teaspoons light corn syrup, a dash of cinnamon and 2 cups sifted powdered sugar, until smooth.

 1788: Maryland voted to cede a 100-square-mile area for the seat of the national government; about two-thirds of the area became the District of Columbia

1823: The poem "A Visit from St. Nicholas" by Clement C. Moore (Twas the night before Christmas...) was published in the "Troy (New York) Sentinel

1942: Bob Hope agreed to entertain U.S. airmen in Alaska. It was the first of his many, famous Christmas shows for American armed forces around the world. He continued the tradition for more than three decades

1954: The classic movie, "20,000 Leagues Under the Sea", was released. It was to become one of Walt Disney’s most successful films

TODAY'S SMILE

Ho Ho Ho, Hello out there all people of the world.

This is Santa and I just wanted to let you know that Christmas may be a little late this year. See after checking all the boxes and tallying them up, I found some problems with the results.

The first result showed: 428,534,120 Good 428,523,119 Bad

The second result showed: 428,534,118 Good 428,523,121 Bad

So you see, I can't, with good faith, go out and deliver presents while knowing I could have made a mistake. Maybe Little Johnny was good for once, then again, maybe not. So, I have enlisted the help of all my elves and the Mrs. To help do a recount.

We hope to have this finished up by 5pm on the 24th of December, but there is a possibility that it might take longer. You see the tally cards were not quite clear to me, although I made them my-self, I forgot what they meant. You know, Good...and Bad??? And the check marks I used were not all the same, some went left, some right, some were just a mark. some went through both boxes, and some didn't even have much of a mark on them.

I leave it up to them to decide what I meant. So if you wake up on Christmas morning, and there are no presents under your tree, at least you can tell the kids the story.

Thank you for your patience and understanding in these times, --Santa

 

Christmas is weird. What other time of the year do you sit in front of a dead tree and eat candy out of your socks?

 

TODAY'S WORD

ma·gi noun Plural of magus. ma·gus noun ma·gi

1. A member of the Zoroastrian priestly caste of the Medes and Persians.

2. Magus. One of the three wise men from the East who traveled to Bethlehem to pay homage to the infant Jesus.

3. A sorcerer; a magician

TODAY'S REFLECTION

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things

I Corinthians 13:7

When we love God, our trust and hope is in him and we are able to work to triumph over our burdens

TODAY'S ADVICE FROM THE OLD FARMER'S ALMANAC

To prevent seasickness, carry a pouch of roasted salt in your pocket

87 DAYS UNTIL SPRING

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

Psalm 37:4

 I Love You All !!!

Be Blessed !!!

Ma

MY JOURNALS

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

http://onyama.blogspot.com/

BRIGHT SIDE LOGO BY SON #6

http://www.nois.com/rainey/rainey.htm

GRAPHICS BY

  www.graphicscupboard.com  

FOR THURSDAY, DECEMBER 22, 2005

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

DECEMBER 22nd, 2005

 

TODAY'S THOUGHT

 May you carry Christmas in your heart and share the glad tidings with people everywhere

Dr. Norman Vincent Peale

TODAY'S ACTION

Always look to the good you can do in every situation.

TODAY'S QUOTE

A friend hears the song in my heart and sings it to me when my memory fails

 Anonymous

ADVENT

And Mary said, My soul proclaims the greatness of the Lord: my spirit rejoices in God my Savior. For He has looked upon His handmaid’s lowliness; behold, from now on will all ages call me blessed.

 Luke 1:46

Christmas is a beautiful time for re-inviting God into our lives and letting His power transform the ordinary into the extraordinary Read the first and second chapters of Luke’s Gospel and spend some time reflecting on the story of Jesus’ birth and early life.

You can visit Martha Stewart. She always BLESSES my heart. "It's a GOOD thing." http://www.marthastewart.com/

HAPPY THANKFULLY THURSDAY !!

I'm sooooo thankful that my vacation starts at 5:00 today ! No more work til next Wednesday ! 

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

 

TODAY IS...LOS POSADAS DAY

 It is the annual celebration in Mexico commemorating the search by Mary and Joseph for posada (shelter). When they are finally given posada, they celebrate by breaking candy-filled pinatas and eating delicacies, such as tamales and pan dulce (sweet bread).

 HAPPY LOS POSADAS!

TODAY'S TRIVIA

Today is Santa Claus Clearance Day, the day the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration usually clears Santa Claus for his annual flight. The FAA says Santa’s sleigh is equipped with an in-flight de-icing system for polar routes, a Terrain Avoidance Warning System required for low-altitude flights, and a special seat belt extension for a rotund pilot

Today is Chipmunks Day, marking the day in 1958 when Alvin, Simon, and Theodore hit #1 with "The Chipmunk Song." All three voices belonged to composer Ross Bagdasarian, recording as David Seville. His "Witch Doctor" had hit #1 earlier in 1958

1785: The American Continental Navy fleet was organized, consisting of two frigates, two brigs and three schooners. Sailors were paid eight dollars a month

1882: The first Christmas tree with electric lights was turned on at the home of Ed Johnson in New York City. He was an associate of lightbulb inventor Thomas Edison

1910: Postal savings stamps were issued for the first time. They were discontinued in 1914

1955: The Walt Disney movie "The Littlest Outlaw" opened in movie theaters throughout the U.S

1956: The Columbus, Ohio zoo reports the first gorilla born in captivity

TODAY'S SMILE

Mother decided that 10-year-old Cathy should get something "practical" for Christmas. "Suppose we open a savings account for you?" mother suggested. Cathy was delighted. "It's your account, darling," mother said as they arrived at the bank, "so you fill out the application." Cathy was doing fine until she came to the space for "Name of your former bank." After a slight hesitation, she put down Piggy

 

Through the holidays I always have an Energizer belly—it just keeps growing .. and growing .. and growing.....

TODAY'S WORD

colloquial

Pronunciation: /kuh-LO-kwee-ul/

adj : of or characteristic of spoken language; conversational

To write good instructions, you should use a colloquial style

TODAY'S REFLECTION

Love does not rejoice in iniquity, but rejoices in the truth... I Corinthians 13:6

If we truly love our neighbor as Jesus commanded, we are going to be just and honest. I'm sure most of us try to do that, but sometimes we get involved in "What else is new?" Someone has said that "gossip is what no one claims to like but what everybody enjoys." But does it exhibit God's love?

This is the season for family reunions. There may be family members there who are abrasive and difficult. There may be someone who loves to gossip and start trouble. You can choose to participate or you can help by changing the subject

So when anyone asks you "What else is new?” be sure that you have good news. Tell them the best news of all – Joy to the world, the Lord is come

TODAY'S ADVICE FROM THE OLD FARMER'S ALMANAC

When bubbles in your coffee collect in the center of the cup, expect fair weather. If they form a ring or cling to the sides, expect rain.

DAYS UNTIL SPRING

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

Psalm 37:4

 

I Love You All !!!

Be Blessed !!!

Ma

MY JOURNALS

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

http://onyama.blogspot.com/

 BRIGHT SIDE LOGO BY SON #6

http://www.nois.com/rainey/rainey.htm

 

FOR WEDNESDAY , DECEMBER 21, 2005

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

DECEMBER 21ST, 2005

TODAY'S THOUGHT

 God gives us dreams a size too big so that we can grow in them.

Anonymous

TODAY'S ACTION

 Let your heart inspire your life

TODAY'S QUOTE

May you have enough happiness to make you sweet,

 enough trials to make you strong,

enough sorrow to keep you human,

 and enough hope to make you happy.

Proverb

ADVENT

The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a mighty Savior; He will rejoice over you with gladness, and renew you in His love, He will sing joyfully because of you, as one sings at festivals.

Zephaniah 3:17

The reading from Zephaniah expresses in poetic language the boundless love God has for each of us.

 How many would follow the star tonight If it shone past the Milky Way, Leave comfortable homes and follow it still over the hills and away?

How many would open their doors tonight for a weary and shabby pair, Make room at hearts for a Stranger-Child Though the Infant is wondrous fair?

How many would give of their goods tonight, the best they possess and more, for their faith in a star and an angel choir And a King forevermore?

 How many would give of their goods tonight, the best they possess and more, for their faith in a star and an angel choir And a King forevermore.

HAPPY WEDNESDAY !!

Winter is finally here ! The only good thing about that is that now the days will begin to get longer. Today being the shortest of the year. I had my winter silks (long underwear) on yesterday – it seemed to help, and I’ll probably wear them again today. The rest of the week is supposed to warm up to the 30’s. Of course with warmer weather also come the WINTRY MIX – oh, dear.

I have our prayer group at the Wellspring this evening. This will be the last for me for awhile, like dulcimer, I’m taking off and staying home til it gets warmer out. I just can’t take this cold anymore .

Take good care all !

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

TODAY IS...OUR FOREFATHERS DAY

On December 21st, 1620, Pilgrims aboard the "Mayflower" went ashore for the first time at present-day Plymouth, Massachusetts. I'll bet they were glad to set foot on solid ground again!

TODAY'S TRIVIA

Today is Humbug Day

Today everyone is allowed 12 "bah humbugs

Today is Look at the Bright Side Day.

Today is World Peace Day

 1862: U.S. Congress authorizes the Medal of Honor to be awarded to Navy personnel that have distinguished themselves by their gallantry in action

1898: Scientists Pierre and Marie Curie discovered radium

1937: Walt Disney's "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" opened in Los Angeles, the first full-length animated feature film

1985: Bruce Springsteen’s album, "Born in the USA", passed Michael Jackson’s "Thriller" to become the second longest-lasting LP in the top 10

TODAY'S SMILE

In a small Southern town there was a "Nativity Scene" that showed great skill and talent had gone into creating it. One small feature bothered me. The three wise men were wearing firemen's helmets.

Totally unable to come up with a reason or explanation, I left. At a "Quik Stop" on the edge of town, I asked the lady behind the counter about the helmets. She exploded into a rage, yelling at me, "You darn Yankees never do read the Bible!"

I assured her that I did, but simply couldn't recall anything about firemen in the Bible. She jerked her Bible from behind the counter and ruffled thru some pages, and finally jabbed her finger at a passage.

Sticking it in my face she said -- See, it says right here, The three wise man came from afar

TODAY'S WORD

was·sail noun

1.a. A salutation or toast given in drinking someone's health or as an expression of good will at a festivity. b. The drink used in such toasting, commonly ale or wine spiced with roasted apples and sugar. 2. A festivity characterized by much drinking. 1. To drink to the health of; toast. --intr. To engage in or drink a wassail

TODAY'S REFLECTION

The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up.

Matthew 4:16

When Queen Victoria resided at Balmoral Castle she sometimes enjoyed a walk in the district incognito. On one occasion she slipped out by a side gate, accompanied only by her faithful servant John Brown, who followed behind. Along the road she came on a flock of sheep being driven by a boy, who shouted, “Keep out of the way, stupid old woman!”

The Queen smiled, but said nothing, and when her servant came along he informed the lad that she was the Queen. “Ugh, well,” said the boy, “she should dress like a queen.”

There were those who did not recognize the Son of God because He came in humble form.

TODAY'S ADVICE FROM THE OLD FARMER'S ALMANAC

Use lemon oil in place of furniture polish

IT’S … WINTER!!!

 December 21 - Winter Solstice. The winter solstice is one of the two times each year that the Sun is at its farthest point from the equator and appears to stand still. It occurs today at 1:35 P.M. EST.

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

Psalm 37:4

I Love You All !!!

Be Blessed !!!

Ma

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

http://onyama.blogspot.com/

 BRIGHT SIDE LOGO BY SON #6

http://www.nois.com/rainey/rainey.htm

 

FOR TUESDAY, DECEMBER 20, 2005

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

DECEMBER 20th, 2005

TODAY'S THOUGHT

The very act of believing creates strength of its own

Anonymous

TODAY'S ACTION

 Keep your wonder of great and noble things

TODAY'S QUOTE

 Not what we give, but what we share, For the gift without the giver is bare

James Russell Lowell

ADVENT

In the sixth month the angel Gabriel was sent from God to a city of Galilee named Nazareth, to a virgin betrothed to a man whose name was Joseph, of the house of David; and the virgin's name was Mary. And he came to her and said, "Hail, O favored one, the Lord is with you!" But she was greatly troubled at the saying, and considered in her mind what sort of greeting this might be. And the angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favor with God. And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus. Luke 1:27 -31

How can we be the light of the world and the salt of the earth as our Lord says we should be?

If we are to teach by example, make plans to teach someone during the Holiday season. A child or friend could learn by your actions

Choose a Christmas Movie. Cuddle up on the couch. Don't worry about all the Christmas hustle and bustle. Just enjoy the movie

 HAPPY TUESDAY !!

BrrrChill ! Very cold here. It was down in the single digits here last night and that means below 0 with wind chill. I’d better let the car warm up this morning before I take off.

Tonight is our ‘Christmas’ dulcimer get together. Last night for awhile, I voted to take off the months of January and February so we don’t have to go out these very cold evenings. Once I get home from work, I want to stay in where it is warm.

Due to the high cost of gas, I’m trying to keep the temp on the thermostat at 71 degrees, but in this old house you can feel the cold drafts around the edges. DDIL#1 made a nice warm fleece throw for me to wrap up in. That should help keep me warm. That was one of my Christmas presents.

Take good care and keep warm!

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

TODAY IS...CROSSWORD PUZZLE DAY!

On December 21, 1913, the first crossword puzzle appeared in the Sunday edition of the New York World. Arthur Wynne had been asked to devise a new game feature for the newspaper. He remembered a child's game called "Magic Square" where words had to be arranged to read across and down. He changed this by giving "clues" instead of the actual words, and the crossword puzzle was born

TODAY'S TRIVIA

Today is Try To Remember Where You Hid The Christmas Gifts Day

Today is National Go Caroling Day

1606: The "Susan Constant", "Godspeed" and "Discovery" set sail from London to America. They landed at Jamestown, Virginia to start the first permanent English settlement in America

1879: Thomas Edison demonstrated his incandescent light at Menlo Park, New Jersey

1932: Al Jolson recorded "April Showers" on Brunswick Records

1946: The Frank Capra film "It's A Wonderful Life," starring James Stewart and Donna Reed, had a preview showing for charity at New York's Globe Theatre, a day before its "official" world premiere

TODAY'S SMILE

CHRISTMAS SHOPPING FUN

The most important part of Christmas is peace and goodwill. That's why this year I plan to be at peace with MasterCard by doing all my shopping at Goodwill

You just feel closer to everybody at Christmas time-- especially in the malls

One department store has an exciting Christmas special. If you spend $500 in one day, they'll tell you where they hid the bathroom

It's the First Law of Christmas Shopping: When your kids are old enough to appreciate getting clothes as gifts, it's cheaper to buy toys

Today's serious Christmas shopping reminder: As you enjoy the helter-skelter and pushing and shoving of Christmas shopping, just remember that the real meaning of Christmas is not buying. It's selling!

I'll tell you what's really needed at Christmas: a toy you wind up that puts batteries in all the other toys

TODAY'S WORD

ha·lo noun.

1.a. A circular band of colored light around a light source, as around the sun or moon, caused by the refraction and reflection of light by ice particles suspended in the intervening atmosphere. b. Something resembling this band.

2. A luminous ring or disk of light surrounding the heads or bodies of sacred figures, such as saints, in religious paintings; a nimbus.

3. The aura of majesty or glory surrounding a person, a thing, or an event that is regarded with reverence, awe, or sentiment. To encircle with or as if with a halo

TODAY'S REFLECTION

Love is not provoked, thinks no evil… I Corinthians 13:4

Why is it that the holiday season sometimes brings out the worst in us? We are in a hurry and the line of cars in front of us is slow moving. Another customer snatches a desired gift item off the shelf and it is the last one.

All these tribulations cause us to think mean thoughts and sometimes say things we regret

Christ's love is pure and holds no place for carrying grudges.

TODAY'S ADVICE FROM THE OLD FARMER'S ALMANAC

A dream of ducks swimming on clear water portends a lucky journey

1 DAY UNTIL WINTER

Delight yourself in the Lord and

He will give you the desires of your Heart

Psalm 37:4

I Love You All !!!

Be Blessed !!!

Ma

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

http://onyama.blogspot.com/

BRIGHT SIDE LOGO BY SON #6

http://www.nois.com/rainey/rainey.htm

 

FOR MONDAY, DECEMBER 19TH, 2005

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

DECEMBER 19th, 2005

TODAY'S THOUGHT

The foolish man seeks happiness in the distance, the wise grows it under his feet

James Oppenheim

TODAY'S ACTION

Never place too much importance on objects

TODAY'S QUOTE

We do not always know the reasons for what God does and doesn't do, but in the end we'll see that He was always right

Janette Oke

ADVENT

But now you will be speechless and unable to talk until the day these things take place, because you did not believe my words, which will be fulfilled at their proper time.

In Zachariah's story we see how "unable to speak" we become when we do not believe God's words of promise to us. Let us trust that nothing is impossible with God

Be an encourager today.

Listen. Sometimes we just need to know that we are needed and loved by someone. Tell someone you love them. An unexpected blessing and miracle is just around the corner. Keep your eyes open

Don't forget to check your LOCAL listings for holiday TV shows & your local paper for holiday events to enjoy!

HAPPY MONDAY !!

Another week, but a short one as far as work goes. I have off on Friday !!!

Take good care all !

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

TODAY IS...CHOCOLATE PIZZA DAY

Pizza isn't just crust and sauce with your favorite toppings! You can make one for dessert and wow the family with your talents. This chocolate pizza is especially good for Christmas guests - and it just takes 15 minutes to make. Or take it to the office as a holiday surprise. But watch out! You might end up eating the whole thing yourself

1 (12oz) pkg real semi- sweet chocolate chips

1 lb white almond bark, divided

2 cups miniature marshmallows

1 cup crisp rice cereal

1 cup peanuts

1 (6oz) jar red maraschino cherries, drained, cut in half

 2 Tbsp green maraschino cherries, drained and quartered

1/3 cup angel flake coconut

1 tsp oil

Melt chocolate chips with 14 oz almond bark in large pan over low heat. Stir in marshmallows, cereal and peanuts. Pour onto greased 12" pizza pan. Top with cherries, sprinkle with coconut. Melt remaining 2 oz almond bark with oil over low heat, stir till smooth. Drizzle over coconut. Chill until firm. Store at room temperature.

TODAY'S TRIVIA

Today is National Build a Snowman Day

Today is E-Mail Santa Claus Just in Case He Didn't Get Your Letter Day

1732: Benjamin Franklin began publishing "Poor Richard's Almanac

1777: General George Washington led his army of about 11,000 men to Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, to camp for the winter

1843: Charles Dickens' classic Yuletide tale, "A Christmas Carol," was first published in England

1997: James Cameron's epic "Titanic," the highest grossing film ever made, opened in American movie theaters

TODAY'S SMILE

BUBBA CLAUS

MEMO FROM SANTA

I regret to inform you that, effective immediately, I will no longer serve the States of Georgia, Florida, Virginia, North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Mississippi, Texas, Alabama, and Arkansas on Christmas Eve.

Due to the overwhelming current population of the earth, my contract was renegotiated by North American Fairies and Elves Local 209. As part of the new and better contract I also get longer breaks for milk and cookies so keep that in mind. However, I'm certain that your children will be in good hands with your local replacement, who happens to be my third cousin, Bubba Claus.

His side of the family is from the South Pole. He shares my goal of delivering toys to all the good boys and girls; however, there are a few differences between us.

Differences such as:

1. There is no danger of the Grinch stealing your presents from Bubba Claus. He has a gun rack on his sleigh and a bumper sticker that reads: These toys insured by Smith and Wesson.

2. Instead of milk and cookies, Bubba Claus prefers that children leave an RC cola and pork rinds [or a moon pie] on the fireplace. And Bubba doesn't smoke a pipe. He dips a little snuff though, so please have an empty spit can handy.

3. Bubba Claus' sleigh is pulled by floppy-eared, flyin' coon dogs instead of reindeer. I made the mistake of loaning him a couple of my reindeer one time, and Blitzen's head now overlooks Bubba's fireplace.

4. You won't hear, On Comet, on Cupid, on Donner and Blitzen.. when BubbaClaus arrives. Instead, you'll hear, On Earnhardt, on Andretti, on Elliott, and Petty.

5. Ho, Ho, Ho! has been replaced by Yee Haw! And you also are likely to hear Bubba's elves respond, I her'd dat!

6. As required by Southern highway laws, Bubba Claus' sleigh does have a Yosemite Sam safety triangle on the back with the words Back Off.

7. The usual Christmas movie classics such as Miracle on 34th Street and It's a Wonderful Life will not be shown in your negotiated viewing area. Instead, you'll see Boss Hogg Saves Christmas and Smokey and the Bandit IV featuring Burt Reynolds as Bubba Claus and dozens of state patrol cars crashing into each other. And Finally,

8. Bubba Claus doesn't wear a belt. If I were you, I'd make sure you, the wife, and the kids turn the other way when he bends over to put presents under the tree.

Sincerely Yours, S. Claus

TODAY'S WORD

Glo·ri·a noun

1.a. A Latin doxology beginning with the words Gloria Patri. b. A Latin doxology forming part of the Ordinary of the Mass and beginning with the words Gloria in excelsis Deo. c. A musical setting for either of these doxologies.

2. gloria. A halo or nimbus.

TODAY'S REFLECTION

Love does not behave rudely, does not seek its own

I Corinthians 13:4

Your attitude can make all the difference in your treating people with respect or treating them rudely. When you get up in the morning and ask God to fill your heart with love, you're more likely to have a pleasant day, rather than a painful one that is filled with confrontations. For your attitude determines your actions

Don't get angry at the person who acts in ways that displease you. Give him a smile he lacks. Spread the sunshine of your Lord's limitless love.

Joni Eareckson Tada

Christmas is the season that we celebrate God's infinite love for us through Jesus Christ. Many people want to take Christ out of the holiday season. Instead of getting angry and saying rude things, we have the opportunity of exhibiting Christ's love by being unselfish and respectful to all.

FROM ADVENT LESSONS: http://www.dailyguideposts.com/index.asp

TODAY'S ADVICE FROM THE OLD FARMER'S ALMANAC

 Instinct is the nose of the mind

2 DAYS UNTIL WINTER

Delight yourself in the Lord and

He will give you the desires of your Heart

Psalm 37:4

I Love You All !!!

Be Blessed !!!

Ma

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

http://onyama.blogspot.com/

BRIGHT SIDE LOGO BY SON #6

http://www.nois.com/rainey/rainey.htm

 

FOR SATURDAY, DECEMBER 17TH, 2005

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

DECEMBER 17th, 2005

TODAY'S THOUGHT

You see things; and you say, Why?

But I dream things that never were; and I say Why not?

 George Bernard Shaw

TODAY'S ACTION

Change your thoughts and change your life

TODAY'S QUOTE

His coming was quiet...

no clash of cymbals, no blast of trumpets....

just the midnight song of angels

and the awe-filled sighs of shepherds

on a hillside hushed by holiness.

His coming is still quiet...

Just a whisper of love in the silence

and a gentle promise to the humble heart

that bids Him welcome.

B.J. Hoff

ADVENT

But the angel said to him, Do not be afraid, Zechariah, because your prayer has been heard. Your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall name him John. And you will have joy and gladness, and many will rejoice at his birth, for he will be great in the sight of (the) Lord. Luke 1:13

 Luke tells the beautiful story of John the Baptist who came to prepare the way for the coming of the Messiah

In a card or letter, tell someone how much you care for them. Let them know they are loved by you – and God.

Today find a quiet spot all by yourself and just reflect on this Bible verse for a few minutes. "Be still and know that I am God". Then remember that sometimes we can be too introspective forgetting about the Lord's big picture. God has plan even if we don't

 Grab a pen and paper. Lets make sure we haven't forgotten to do anything for our Christmas Celebration. This way we won't have to run around last minute.

TODAY’S LINK

BUILD A SNOWMAN

http://www.countrygraphics.com/snwmngame.html

HAPPY SUPER SATURDAY !!

Today is a SUPER day ! Our family Christmas Feast ! The house is clean and ready and the deviled eggs and layered salad are made ! The rest of the dinner will be going in the oven about noon or so.

I’ll be taking lots of pictures to share with you all tomorrow!

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

TODAY IS...COOKIE CUTTER DAY

Cookie Cutters not only make fun cookies but great decorator stamps

HERE’S A LINK TO COOKIE CUTTER CRAFTS http://www.crafts4kids.com/projects/cookie_cutter.htm

TODAY'S TRIVIA

Today is Wright Brothers Day. They made their first flights on December 17, 1903, at Kitty Hawk, N.C. Orville flew an experimental plane, the Wright Flyer, 120 feet in 12 seconds; Wilbur flew 852 feet in 59 seconds. They made two other short flights with the Flyer before an ocean gust lifted and badly damaged the plane

Today is National Maple Syrup Day

1843 Charles Dickens' "A Christmas Carol" was first published

1900 New Ellis Island Immigration station completed costing $1.5 million

1936 Ventriloquist Edgar Bergen & dummy Charlie McCarthy, make their radio debut on Rudy Vallee’s Royal Gelatin Hour

1965 Largest newspaper-Sunday New York Times at 946 pages -50¢

1969 50 million TV viewers see singer Tiny Tim marry Miss Vicky, on Tonight Show

TODAY'S SMILE

MOM’S REQUEST TO SANTA

Dear Santa,

I've been a good mom all year. I've fed, cleaned, and cuddled my two children on demand, visited the doctor's office more than my doctor, sold 62 cases of candy bars to raise money to plant a shade tree on the school playground, and figured out how to attach nine patches onto my daughter's Girl Scout sash with staples and a glue gun.

I was hoping you could spread my list out over several Christmases, since I had to write this letter with my son's red crayon on the back of a receipt in the laundry room between cycles, and who knows when I'll find anymore free time in the next 18 years.

Here are my Christmas wishes: I'd like a pair of legs that don't ache after a day of chasing kids (in any color, except purple, which I already have) and arms that don't flap in the breeze, but are strong enough to carry a screaming toddler out of the candy aisle in the grocery store. I'd also like a waist, since I lost mine somewhere in the seventh month of my last pregnancy.

If you're hauling big ticket items this year, I'd like a car with fingerprint resistant windows and a radio that only plays adult music; a television that doesn't broadcast any programs containing talking animals; and a refrigerator with a secret compartment behind the crisper where I can hide to talk on the phone.

On the practical side, I could use a talking daughter doll that says, "Yes, Mommy" to boost my parental confidence, along with one potty-trained toddler, two kids who don't fight, and three pairs of jeans that will zip all the way up without the use of power tools.

I could also use a recording of Tibetan monks chanting, "Don't eat in the living room" and "Take your hands off your brother," because my voice seems to be just out of my children's hearing range and can only be heard by the dog. And please don't forget the Playdoh Travel Pack, the stocking stuffer this year for mothers of preschoolers. It comes in three fluorescent colors and is guaranteed to crumble on any carpet making the In-laws' house seem just like mine.

If it's too late to find any of these products, I'd settle for enough time to brush my teeth and comb my hair in the same morning, or the luxury of eating food warmer than room temperature without it being served in a Styrofoam container.

If you don't mind, I could also use a few Christmas miracles to brighten the holiday season. Would it be too much trouble to declare ketchup a vegetable? It will clear my conscience immensely. It would be helpful if you could coerce my children to help around the house without demanding payment as if they were the bosses of an organized crime family; or if my toddler didn't look so cute sneaking downstairs to eat contraband ice cream in his pajamas at midnight.

Well, Santa, the buzzer on the dryer is ringing and my son saw my feet under the laundry room door. I think he wants his crayon back. Have safe trip and remember to leave your wet boots by the chimney and come in and dry off by the fire so you don't catch cold.

Help yourself to cookies on the table, but don't eat too many or leave crumbs on the carpet.

Yours Always, Mom

TODAY'S WORD

lagniappe \LAN-yap\

noun : a small gift given a customer by a merchant at the time of a purchase; broadly : something given or obtained gratuitously or by way of good measure

The Garcia family's store always has the best holiday-themed lagniappes; this year with a $20 purchase you receive a hand-painted snowman figurine.

TODAY'S REFLECTION

Love does not envy…

I Corinthians 13:4

If you really love your neighbor, you'll be happy for any success he or she has

In counting our blessings,

We find when we're through

We've no reason at all

To complain or be blue

Helen Steiner Rice

TODAY'S ADVICE FROM THE OLD FARMER'S ALMANAC

Save the water from cooking pasta to water houseplants. They'll love it

4 DAYS UNTIL WINTER

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

Psalm 37:4

I Love You All !!!

BeBlessed !!!

Ma

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

http://onyama.blogspot.com/

 

BRIGHT SIDE LOGO BY SON #6

http://www.nois.com/rainey/rainey.htm