FOR SATURDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2006

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

DECEMBER 23RD,2006

TODAY'S THOUGHT

Christmas! 'Tis the season for kindling the fire of hospitality in the hall, the genial fire of charity in the heart.

Washington Irving

TODAY’S ACTION

Let go of old wrongs and start anew.

TODAY’S QUOTE

There's a candle in my window

With its halo of bright gold,

Telling with each tiny flicker

Of the joy each heart can hold.

 At this joyous Christmas season

For each passer-by to see,

 Ponder on his way and reason,

This is just as it should be.

Ruth Scott Hubbard

HAPPY SATURDAY

Well the Family will all be in today for the Family Feast. It will certainly be a house full. We had DS#2 and family, DD and hubby and DS #5 and his wife for dinner last evening and the table was pretty full with just them. Today we’ll add DS#1 and family, DS#3 and family and the ‘Newlyweds’. I know it’s going to be wall to wall people here. It’ll be fun though, as they all love to be together.

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.

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! Fun facts about popcorn: 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.

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 THE LITTLE OL’ DONKEY THAT HAD LITTLE TO SAY

It was the night before Christmas when all the beasts came together from the furthest places of the earth to talk.

The first voice to be heard was the deep rich bass voice of the Lion. "I speak," he said, "as the King of Beasts." And truly he looked a king with his beautiful thick mane and his tawny rippling muscles. "I won't repeat my good deeds. I shall not again tonight repeat the shinning stories of the days when the Romans loved me. I shall not recall the story of the one man, Daniel, who defied me in my den . . . a story humbling to me . . . which I have often told you to prove I am not proud. Ishall say nothing of my stealthy fury that makes the whole continent tremble at the very sound of my name . . ."

"Then I shall speak," and by the trumpet sound, the beasts knew the elephant spoke. "I am the biggest beast on earth. My size and my strength awe nations. Yet I can walk so softly and lightly that no ear can hear my coming. Isn't that something to be proud of? And I don't believe any of you can flip a tremendous teak log over your shoulder as handily as I can. That takes power. Yes, and who else here has been a beast of war? Who else has crossed the Alps? You know how very high the Alps are! I and my strong brothers helped the famous General Hannibal and his soldiers over them in one of his great campaigns. And Hannibal's in history books all over the world."

A strange, whispering voice broke in: "You know me, the Giraffe. Usually I stay silent, but I hope you'll remember I'm the tallest and can look down on you. But please don't think I am bragging because I an up here above you. I can eat from the tops of trees. Nobody else can do that. Besides being the tallest, I can run faster than most . . ."

"Let me interrupt." It was the Leopards voice. You'd have to move very fast to outrun certain striped and spotted cousins of mine who hold most of the speed records. Right, Cousins?" T

he Tiger nodded his head and the Cheetah, fastest of all, smiled.

The camel, till now had been chewing his cud and watching with sad eyes. He cleared his throat and his voice rasped out: "I am neither handsome nor fleet. I have some trouble keeping clean. But I have the right to feel as proud as anyone here. I helped build the pyramids of Egypt! Have any of you ever tackled a job that big? I am used to going many days without water, across scorching sands that would burn the feet off most of you within hours. My friends, the Camels count, and I have the right to feel happy."

For a long while after the Camel's speech, there was silence. Then the Llama coughed and said: "I am by nature modest. One thing, however . . . I have had much experience in crossing mountains. You have heard of the Andes, my home, and the war work I have done."

Other's spoke too. The Goose honked, "I laid a golden egg once. Who else has done that?"

The Turtle said, "I'm the slowest. It's better. When you go fast you go around in circles."

The Fox said, "I am the slyest, the trickiest, and probably the brainiest of you all."

The Zebra said, "For confusion, I'm best. Am I white with black stripes or black with white stripes?"

The Grizzly Bear said, "Who, that is as heavy as I, can climb a tree as well?"

And the Polar Bear said, "Can anybody but me swim with icebergs or catch fish with a paw?"

All this time a little gray beast stood listening. Finally, the other animals looked his way. There wasn't much he could do but speak. "I am a Donkey," he began, in a voice so hoarse and low that the beasts leaned forward to hear. "I can't run fast or go days without water. I couldn't swim a stroke among icebergs. I've never climbed a tree. Nobody is afraid of me." Lower and lower sank the little donkey's voice. His ears drooped, and his head bowed. The other beasts could hardly hear him. Suddenly he raised his head. His eyes looked far away in time and space and there was a strange glow around him. "Only one thing I have ever done has ever stuck in my mind. It happened a long, long time ago . . . on the way to Egypt in the dark of night. I carried a mother, who carried a King."

—Religious Digest

TODAY’S LINK

A CHRISTMAS CARD

http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=ZY29432782

(I think this is the 3rd card from this same site, but each one is different and all are beautiful !)

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

"What then is this child going to be?"

Luke 1:66

Zechariah's and Elizabeth's friends and neighbors knew this child John was a special child. But then, isn't every child remarkable?

Parental love asks, "What is this child going to be and do?"

"...Some are for noble purposes and some for ignoble. If a man cleanses him-self from the latter, he will be an instrument for noble purposes, made holy, useful to the Master and prepared to do any good work" (2 Timothy 2:20,21).

Surely we want to prepare our child for noble purposes so he or she will be useful to God and to others.

TODAY’S ADVICE FROM THE OLD FARMER’S ALMANAC

Storms burst as tides turn 

 87 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 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/

BRIGHT SIDE LOGO BY SON #6

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

 

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

DECEMBER 21ST, 2006

TODAY'S THOUGHT

We consider Christmas as the encounter,

the great encounter, the historical encounter,

the decisive encounter, between God and mankind.

He who has faith knows this truly; let him rejoice.

Pope Paul VI

TODAY’S ACTION

Radiate the glow of Christmastime

TODAY’S QUOTE

Happy, happy Christmas, that can win us back to the delusions of our childish days, that can recall to the old man the pleasures of his youth, and transport the sailor and the traveler, thousands of miles away, back to his own fireside and his quiet home!

Charles Dickens

HAPPY THURSDAY

Finally !  The last day of the work week and the Christmas weekend is here. 5 days off from work to enjoy!  I heard from DS#4 last night and DS#2 and family will be starting home from his house in the morning.  By tomorrow evening they'll be here.  Long drive for them, but at least our weather is pretty decent.

Have a great day all !  Another wonder 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.

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 National French Fried Shrimp Day.

Today is World Peace Day.

Today is Forefathers Day, marking the Pilgrim landing at Plymouth Rock on this day in 1620.

1937: Walt Disney's "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs" opened in Los Angeles, the first full-length animated feature film. Today is the day we say, “Hi Ho! Hi Ho! It’s off to work we go!”

1966: The Beach Boys received a gold record for the single, "Good Vibrations."

Question: In Christmas celebrations in the U.S. Southwest, streets are often decorated with farolitos. What are they?

Answer: Paper-bag lanterns, said to light the way for the Christ child

TODAY’S SMILE

'Twas the night before Christmas and Santa's a wreck...

How to live in a world that's politically correct?

His workers no longer would answer to "Elves".

"Vertically Challenged" they were calling themselves.

And labor conditions at the north pole

Were alleged by the union to stifle the soul.

Four reindeer had vanished, without much propriety,

Released to the wilds by the Humane Society.

And equal employment had made it quite clear

That Santa had better not use just reindeer.

So Dancer and Donner, Comet and Cupid,

Were replaced with 4 pigs,

and you know that looked stupid!

The runners had been removed from his sleigh;

The ruts were termed dangerous by the E.P.A.

And people had started to call for the cops

When they heard sled noises on their roof-tops.

Second-hand smoke from his pipe

had his workers quite frightened.

 His fur trimmed red suit was called "Unenlightened."

And to show you the strangeness of life's ebbs and flows,

Rudolf was suing over unauthorized use of his nose

And had gone on Geraldo, in front of the nation,

 Demanding millions in over-due compensation.

So, half of the reindeer were gone; and his wife,

 Who suddenly said she'd enough of this life,

Joined a self-help group, packed, and left in a whiz,

Demanding from now on her title was Ms.

And as for the gifts, why, he'd ne'er had a notion

That making a choice could cause so much commotion.

Nothing of leather, nothing of fur,

Which meant nothing for him.

And nothing for her.

 Nothing that might be construed to pollute.

Nothing to aim. Nothing to shoot.

Nothing that clamored or made lots of noise.

 Nothing for just girls.

Or just for the boys.

Nothing that claimed to be gender specific.

Nothing that's warlike or non-pacific.

No candy or sweets...they were bad for the tooth.

Nothing that seemed to embellish a truth.

And fairy tales, while not yet forbidden,

 Were like Ken and Barbie, better off hidden.

For they raised the hackles of those psychological

Who claimed the only good gift was one ecological.

 No baseball, no football...someone could get hurt;

 Besides, playing sports exposed kids to dirt.

 Dolls were said to be sexist, and should be passé;

And Nintendo would rot your entire brain away.

So Santa just stood there, disheveled, perplexed;

He just could not figure out what to do next.

He tried to be merry, tried to be gay,

 But you've got to be careful with that word today.

 His sack was quite empty, limp to the ground;

Nothing fully acceptable was to be found.

Something special was needed, a gift that he might

 Give to all without angering the left or the right.

A gift that would satisfy, with no indecision,

Each group of people, every religion;

Every ethnicity, every hue,

Everyone, everywhere...even you.

So here is that gift, it's price beyond worth...

"May you and your loved ones enjoy peace on earth."

TODAY’S LINK

A CHRISTMAS CARD FOR YOU

http://www.bluemountain.com/view.pdi=153300378&m=3958&rr=y&source=bma

I received this special card from a friend -- Enjoy !

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

Those who are generous are blessed, for they share their bread with the poor.

Proverbs 22:9

May we this Christmas realize that what we want and what we need aren't always the same thing. I hope we will allow Christ to help us change the direction we travel and the attitude that shapes our thoughts.

Let us play "Follow the Leader" with Christ. Those in the Christmas story did--Mary, Joseph, the Three Kings, and the Shepherds. Let's follow the savior, as we share his love.

DAILY DEVOTIONS http://www.devotions.net

TODAY’S ADVICE FROM THE OLD FARMER’S ALMANAC

December changeable and mild, the whole winter will remain a child.

IT’S WINTER !

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 7:22 P.M. EST. The word solstice is derived from the Latin sol, or "Sun," and stitium, or "stoppage."

The Halcyon Days also occur around this time. According to ancient legend, a grieving wife named Alcyone, or Halcyon, threw herself into the sea upon discovering the drowned body of her beloved husband, Ceyx. The gods took pity on the pair, transforming them into kingfishers with the power to still the stormy seas for 14 days around the time of the winter solstice while they built their nest and hatched their young.

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 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/

BRIGHT SIDE LOGO BY SON #6

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

 

FOR WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 20TH, 2006

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

DECEMBER 20TH,2006

TODAY'S THOUGHT

I will honor Christmas in my heart and try to keep it all the year.

Charles Dickens

TODAY’S ACTION

Let your heart inspire your life.

TODAY’S QUOTE

There is a Christmas song upon the air,

There is a joy innate within the heart;

An inner sense of peace, a holy light

Illumines life and sets these days apart.

 Edna Greene Hines

HAPPY WEDNESDAY

Celebrating Christmas is delightful, and sharing it is a joy.

I’m enjoying all the verses, links and stories about Christmas and believe me there are many out there and I hope the few I’ve put in my daily e-mail have brought you some joy too!

Today is Over the Hump day and tomorrow is my last day of the work week. Maybe by tomorrow night I’ll have DS#2 and his family home for the Holidays.

I’ll have to make sure that my camera batteries are charged and take lots and lots of pictures to share with you all.

Remember I always put the pictures in my journal ‘Good Morning Sunshine’ and you’ll always find the link to it at the end of my e-mails.

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.

God Bless You !

( On my way home from work today St. Agnes Church had a sign out that said: O Prince of Peace – Grant Us Peace . Amen ! )

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

 1790: The first successful cotton mill in the United States began operating at Pawtucket, Rhode Island

1803: The Louisiana Purchase was completed as ownership of the territory was formally transferred from France to the United States during ceremonies in New Orleans

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

1920: An English-born comedian named Leslie Downes (Bob Hope) became an American citizen. He had lived in the United States since 1908.

1946: The film "It's a Wonderful Life" premiered in New York City. It starred Jimmy Stewart as George Bailey, Donna Reed as Mary Bailey, Henry Travers as Clarence Oddbody (trying to earn his wings) and Lionel Barrymore as Mr. Potter.

1952: Jimmy Boyd reached the #1 spot on the record charts with the Christmas song of the year, "I Saw Mommy Kissing Santa Claus."

Question: What historic resort town in Virginia restricts its Christmas decorations to items that colonial people would have used?

Answer: Williamsburg

TODAY’S SMILE

The "W" in Christmas

Each December, I vowed to make Christmas a calm and peaceful experience.I had cut back on nonessential obligations - extensive card writing,endless baking, decorating, and even overspending. Yet still, I found myself exhausted, unable to appreciate the Precious family moments, and of course, the true meaning of Christmas.

My son, Nicholas, was in kindergarten that year. It was an exciting season for a six year old.For weeks, he'd been memorizing songs for his school's "Winter Pageant."I didn't have the heart to tell him I'd be working the night of the production.

Unwilling to miss his shining moment, I spoke with his teacher. She assured me there'd be a dress rehearsal the morning of the presentation.All parents unable to attend that evening were welcome to come then.

Fortunately, Nicholas seemed happy with the compromise. So, the morning of the dress rehearsal, I filed in ten minutes early, found a spot on the cafeteria floor and sat down. Around the room, I saw several other parents quietly scampering to their seats.

As I waited,the students were led into the room. Each class, accompanied by their teacher, sat cross-legged on the floor. Then, each group, one by one, rose to perform their song.

Because the public school system had long stopped referring to the holiday as "Christmas," I didn't expect anything other than fun, commercial entertainment songs of reindeer, Santa Claus, snowflakes and good cheer. So, when my son's class rose to sing, "Christmas Love," I was Slightly taken aback by its bold title.

Nicholas was aglow, as were all of his classmates, adorned in fuzzy mittens, red sweaters, and bright snowcaps upon their heads. Those in the front row- center stage - held up large letters, one by one, to spell out the title of the song.

As the class would sing "C is for Christmas," a child would hold up the letter C. Then, "H is for Happy," and on and on, until each child holding up his portion had presented the complete message, “Christmas Love."

The performance was going smoothly, until suddenly, we noticed her;a small, quiet, girl in the front row holding the letter "M" upside down totally unaware her letter "M" appeared as a "W".

The audience of 1st through 6th graders snickered at this Little one's mistake. But she had no idea they were laughing at her, so she stood tall, proudly holding her "W". Although many teachers tried to shush the children, the laughter continued until the last letter was raised, and we all saw it together.

A hush came over the audience and eyes began to widen. In that instant, we understood the reason we were there, why we celebrated the holiday in the first place, why even in the chaos, There was a purpose for our festivities. For when the last letter was held high, the message read loud And clear:

"C H R I S T W A S L O V E"

And, I believe, He still is.

Amazed in His presence...humbled by His love.

HAVE A BLESSED HOLIDAY SEASON!

TODAY’S LINK

A Beautiful Advent Reflection for the Third Week of Advent

http://www.stelizabeth.org/advent/adweek3_06.html

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

You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.

Matthew 1:21

Other names, like the names of those we love, are inexpressibly precious. But for those of us who are redeemed by God’s grace, the name of Jesus is the most meaningful. And it is to our heavenly Father as well.

He “has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, . . . and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Phil. 2:9-11).

From OUR DAILY BREAD

http://www.rbc.org

TODAY’S ADVICE FROM THE OLD FARMER’S ALMANAC

Use lemon oil in place of furniture polish.

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 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/

BRIGHT SIDE LOGO BY SON #6

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

 

FOR TUESDAY, DECEMBER 19TH, 2006

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

DECEMBER 19TH,2006

TODAY'S THOUGHT

The very act of believing creates strength of its own.

Anonymous

TODAY’S ACTION

Have the faith to move mountains.

TODAY’S QUOTE

I heard the bells on Christmas Day

Their old, familiar carols play,

And wild and sweet the words repeat

Of peace on earth, good-will to men!

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

HAPPY TUESDAY

There was a little good news in the weather report yesterday – good news for snow lovers that is…there may be snow for Chrstmas ! This week is supposed to be above normal in temperature, but there is a front coming our way that just may bring snow on Monday.

I did get my packages mailed out so everyone should have their presents in time for Christmas ! I expected a terrible line at the Post Office but was surprised and was out of there in less than 15 minutes.

Other than getting the house ready and food in for Christmas this week will be a quiet one until DS#2 and family arrive. Then I don’t suppose we’ll have a quiet moment until they leave again. I’m not complaining – just looking forward to having them home. This old house is way too quiet most of the time.

 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.y 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.

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 Oatmeal Muffin Day

Today is Chocolate Pizza Day

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."

1918: Robert Ripley began his "Believe It or Not" column in "The New York Globe."

1945: Congress confirms Eleanor Roosevelt as the U.S. delegate to the UN.

1997: ''Titanic,'' the highest-grossing movie in history, opened in North American theaters.

TODAY’S CHRISTMAS TRIVIA

Question: If you see "putzes" while visiting Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, at Christmas, what are you seeing?

Answer: A type of Nativity scene; "putz" was the name used by the early Moravian Christian settlers.

TODAY’S SMILE

THE SPECIAL LIST

I have a list of folks I know, all written in a book,

And every now and then, I go and take a look;

And that is when I realize that

these names are all a part ...

Not of the book they're written in,

but of my very heart.

For each name stands for someone

who has crossed my path sometime,

And in that meeting they've become

the rhythm in each rhyme;

And while it sounds fantastic

for me to make this claim,

I really feel that I'm composed

of each remembered name.

Though you may not be aware of any special link,

Just meeting you has changed my life,

a lot more than you think;

For once I've met somebody,

the years cannot erase

The memory of those pleasant words

nor of a friendly face.

So please don't think my greeting

as just a mere routine,

Your name was not forgotten

somewhere in-between;

For when I send a greeting,

that is addressed to you,

It's because you are on that list of folks

I'm indebted to.

For I am the total of the many folks

that I have met,

And you happen to be one of those

I prefer not to forget.

So whether I have known you for many years or few,

In some way you have been a part

in shaping things I do.

And every year at this time,

I realize anew ...

The best gift life can offer is meeting folks like you.

So may the Spirit of this Season, that ever endures,

Leave the richest blessings

in the hearts of YOU and YOURS.

TODAY’S LINK

HAVE A BLESSED CHRISTMAS

http://www.wisehearts.com/christmasflash/christmas.html

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

And when he was living as a man, he humbled himself and was fully oberdient to God Even when that caused his death—death on a cross

Philippians 2:8

Three gifts the wise men brought. The idea that there were three of them comes from the gifts, not the number of kings. They brought gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh. Of these gifts, two were fit for royalty, but the third was a bitter omen.

In Jesus' day, bodies were wrapped in myrrh for burial. Myrrh's pungent odor neutralized the smell of decomposing flesh. Thus, even the gifts that were brought to the Christ child announced his ultimate purpose. This was not some cruel joke; the wise men understood why this king had come

They knew enough to strike out on this mysterious journey that most likely took a number of years to complete. They knew enough to know that the child would be a king. But they also knew that it would be in the stone-cold grip of the grave that this child's greatest work would be accomplished.

Daily Devotional

http://www.purposedrivenlife.com

TODAY’S ADVICE FROM THE OLD FARMER’S ALMANAC

Cold is the night when the stars shine bright.

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 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/

BRIGHT SIDE LOGO BY SON #6

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

 

FOR MONDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2006

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE 

DECEMBER 18TH,2006

TODAY'S THOUGHT

From what we get, we can make a living; what we give, however, makes a life.

Arthur Ashe

TODAY’S ACTION

Focus on your principles and not the success of the outcome.

TODAY’S QUOTE

Let us have music for Christmas… Sound the trumpet of joy and rebirth; Let each of us try, with a song in our hearts, To bring peace to men on earth.

Mildred L. Jarrell

HAPPY MONDAY

Back to work this morning ! After a busy weekend I’m now looking forward to a 4 day work week and it will be a busy one . As always, if I take a day off, I have to cram into 4 what would have been done in 5.

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.

TODAY IS…PLAY BINGO DAY

This game was invented in 1929 by Edwin S. Lowe. It has become a five-billion-dollar-a- year charitable fund raiser - plus given a lot of people hours of fun. BINGO!

TODAY’S TRIVIA

Today is National Bake Cookies Day

National Scrooge Week begins today (according to an old episode of the "Mr. Ed" TV show).

1719: Thomas Fleet of Boston published Mother Goose’s Melodies for Children. The stories had come from Fleet’s mother-in-law, Elizabeth Foster Goose.

1865: The 13th Amendment to the Constitution, abolishing slavery, was declared in effect. "Neither slavery nor involuntary servitude, save as a punishment for crime whereof the party shall have been duly convicted, shall exist in the United States, or any place subject to their jurisdiction."

1892: Tchaikovsky's "The Nutcracker Suite" publicly premiered in St. Petersburg, Russia.

1935: A $1 silver certificate was issued. It was the first currency to depict the front and back sides of the Great Seal of the United States.

1956: "To Tell the Truth," one of America’s great panel shows debuted on CBS-TV. Bud Collyer hosted the program which enjoyed a 10-year run.

1976: "Wonder Woman" debuted on ABC-TV. Lynda Carter was Wonder Woman; Lyle Waggoner was Major Steve Trevor. Wonder Woman had appeared in comic books since

1941. She possessed "the beauty of Aphrodite, the wisdom of Athena, the strength of Hercules, the speed of Mercury."

TODAY’S CHRISTMAS TRIVIA

Question: Wooster, Ohio, saw the introduction of a familiar Christmas item in 1847. What was it?

Answer: The Christmas tree, introduced by the town's German immigrants

TODAY’S SMILE SANTA UPDATE

Christmas Eve is a little more than a week away and things are quickly working into a frenzy at the North Pole.

Today, Elf Bernard reports new troubles in Santa's workshop are starting to slow production. "It is not like the old days," Elf Bernard said. "I remember when Tinker Toys and Tonkas were the big thing. We made them by the millions. But kids these days want everything from iPods to Nintendos.

Sometimes I think we're working in a computer factory, not Santa's workshop!" The workshop has been bogged down this week for a number of reasons.

A surprise unexplained shipment of coal arrived at the North Pole the other day. The problem lies not only with what to do with the coal but also just where to put it. "Coal is actually very dirty and Santa likes to keep his workshop absolutely spotless," reports Elf Bernard. "We're trying to find a way to send the coal back to where it came from but we cannot figure out who sent it to us or why!"

Power outages at the North Pole have also caused some issues. The past three days have seen severe weather here, which is not unusual at this time of year. Technically, we can work at the North Pole without power. We have candles, wood, camping laterns and such. We lived and worked here for centuries without electricity. "Yes, that's true," admits Elf Bernard. "But we can make Tinker Toys in the dark.

We can't make a PS3 without power though." Despite the troubles, Elf Bernard says that nothing will stop Christmas from coming. "Santa has a way of leading us through these tough times. We aren't really in bad shape, and we always make it."

There are lots of things going on in other places at the North Pole. I'll report on those tomorrow.

-- Elf Ernest

 North Pole Weather: 4 degrees, Heavy Snow

Operation Merry Christmas Status: Ok.

TODAY’S LINK

ELF REPORTS ON WHAT’S NEW AT THE NORTH POLE http://santaupdate.com/update.php

TODAY’S WORD

 Peace

Peess / noun

1 freedom from war

2 mental calm

3 peace treaty

4 law and order

5 state of harmony

(interjection) be calm or silent

TODAY’S REFLECTION

But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, are only a small village in Judah. Yet a ruler of Israel will come from you, one whose origins are from the distant past.

Micah 5:2

Narrowing Down To Bethlehem

Messiah must have a birthplace.

Three continents, Europe, Asia, and Africa were known to the ancient world; Asia was chosen. But Asia has many countries—one of them is indicated, a little country known as the land of promise, Palestine.

Here were three districts, Judaea, Galilee, Samaria. It is Judaea that is the elect one. But here again are many villages. Out of these the favored one is little Bethlehem.

To make the prediction more definite and certain, it is Bethlehem in the land of Judah.

A.T. Pierso

From Daily Miscellany

TODAY’S ADVICE FROM THE OLD FARMER’S ALMANAC

Eat olives before a journey that may cause motion sickness.

3 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 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/

BRIGHT SIDE LOGO BY SON #6

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

 

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

DECEMBER 17TH,2006

 

TODAY'S THOUGHT

Love is an act of faith, and whoever is of little faith is also of little love.

Erich Fromm

TODAY’S ACTION

Forgive yourself as often as you forgive others.

TODAY’S QUOTE

God gave us memories that we might have roses in December.

J.M. Barrie

HAPPY SUNDAY

This is the 3rd Sunday of Advent. It is called Gaudete Sunday, from the Latin word for "rejoice". The shift from the purple of the Season to pink or rose for the third Sunday Advent. So today along with the 2 purple candles I’ll be lighting the pink candle in my Advent wreath.

The light of the candles itself becomes an important symbol of the season. The light reminds us that Jesus is the light of the world that comes into the darkness of our lives to bring newness, life, and hope

Let your gentleness be evident to all. The Lord is near.

Philippians 4:5

I heard from DS#2 yesterday evening. He is leaving on his trip tomorrow and will visit DS#4 and family before they come on to Ohio. That means it will probably be Thursday this coming week before they arrive home.

As always I’m off to church this morning and will be saying a little prayer for all of you and for our travelers this holiday.

Have a great day ! 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.

God Bless You !

TODAY IS…COOKIE CUTTER DAY

Cookie Cutters not only make fun cookies but great decorator stamps – go here to learn about this fun craft project

http://craft.dow.com/proj/ccutter.htm

TODAY’S TRIVIA

Today is National Maple Syrup Day.

1843 - A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens was published in London and immediately sold out. He wrote the story in just two months, beginning in October, 1843 and finishing at the end of November. It was the first of five Christmas books by Dickens. Its successors were The Chimes (1844), The Cricket on the Hearth (1845), The Battle of Life (1846), and The Haunted Man and the Ghost’s Bargain (1848).

1900 New Ellis Island Immigration station completed costing $1.5 million

1936: Ventriloquist Edgar Bergen appeared for the first time on radio with his wooden friend Charlie McCarthy on The Rudy Vallee Show and became one of radio’s hottest acts. Bergen’s daughter Candice was television’s Murphy Brown.

1965 Astrodome opens, 1st event is Judy Garland & Supremes concert

1971 "Diamonds are Forever" premieres in US

TODAY’S SMILE

WHO STARTED CHRISTMAS??

This morning I heard a story on the radio of a woman who was out Christmas shopping with her two children. After many hours of looking at row after row of toys and everything else imaginable. And after hours of hearing both her children asking for everything they saw on those many shelves, she finally made it to the elevator with her two kids.

She was feeling what so many of us feel during the holiday season time of the year. Overwhelming pressure to go to every party, every housewarming, taste all the holiday food and treats, getting that perfect gift for every single person on our shopping list, making sure we don't forget anyone on our card list, and the pressure of making sure we respond to everyone who sent us a card.

Finally the elevator doors opened and there was already a crowd in the car. She pushed her way into the car and dragged her two kids in with her and all the bags of stuff. When the doors closed she couldn't take it anymore and stated, "Whoever started this whole Christmas thing should be found, strung up and shot."

From the back of the car everyone heard a quiet calm voice respond, "Don't worry we already crucified him."

For the rest of the trip down the elevator it was so quiet you could have heard a pin drop.

Don't forget this year to keep the One who started this whole Christmas thing in your every thought, deed, purchase, and word.

If we all did it, just think of how different this whole world would be.

Author unknown

TODAY’S LINK

CHRISTMAS WORD SEARCH GAME

(I cheated)

http://wandascountryhome.com/christmas/wordgame/

and visit Santa at the North Pole

http://www.northpole.com/

TODAY’S CHRISTMAS WORD AND OR PHRASES

HARD CANDY CHRISTMAS

A bleak Christmas. One where the family is so low on money that everyone gets hard candy for Christmas instead of gifts.

The phrase is the title of a song written by Carol Hall and sung by Dolly Parton:

"Lord it's like a hard candy Christmas.I'm barely getting through tomorrow. But still I won't let Sorrow bring me way down.I'll be fine and dandy."

TODAY’S REFLECTION

How are they to believe in one of whom they have never heard?

Romans 10:14

The angels' appearance to the lowly shepherds reminds us that God sent Jesus for everyone, from the "least likely" to the "most likely."

May the God of all the world, help us to share the good news of Jesus Christ with those around us this Christmas season and throughout the year

From The Upper Room

http://www.upperroom.org/devotional/

TODAY’S ADVICE FROM THE OLD FARMER’S ALMANAC

Wind from the north, cold and snow.

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 !!!

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/

BRIGHT SIDE LOGO BY SON #6

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

 

FOR SATURDAY, DECEMBER 16TH, 2006

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

DECEMBER 16TH,2006

TODAY'S THOUGHT

Nurse your dreams and protect them through bad times and tough times to the sunshine and light which always comes.

Woodrow Wilson

TODAY’S ACTION

Live by the principle, "It's far more blessed to give than to receive."

TODAY’S QUOTE

Christmas is the happiness that lights our children's eyes. Christmas is a song of bells ringing through the skies. Christmas is a time of peace, of contentment deep within, A time of love and silent hope that years will never dim.

Sherrill Thompson

HAPPY SATURDAY

I’m plugging along with my Christmas Prep. Putting the final touches on the house and hopefully getting lots of wrapping done. I’ll be done with that after this weekend and then all I’ll have to do is shop for some groceries. I really don’t need a lot, but I know there are a few things

Hope you all are almost ready for Christmas too !

Have a great day ! 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.

TODAY IS…SLEEP COMFORT DAY

How important is sleep? It's essential to our total well-being. Sleep helps us feel healthier, think sharper, enjoy life more fully. Unfortunately, for millions of people, poor sleep and daytime weariness are facts of life.

Go Here To Learn How To Get A Better Nights Sleep

http://www.sleepnet.com/tips.html

TODAY’S TRIVIA

Today is Tea Party Day in Boston.

Today is National Chocolate Covered Anything Day

Today is National Eat What You Want Day.

On this day in 1901, the famous story, Peter Rabbit, by Beatrix Potter, was printed for the first time, complete with Potter’s watercolor illustrations.

Chanukah (also spelled Hanukkah and Hanukahan) the eight-day Jewish festival began at sundown yesterday. The festival commemorates events that took place in Judea more than 2,000 years ago, when the Syrian king Antiochus ordered the Jews to abandon the Torah and publicly worship the Greek gods. This act provoked a rebellion led by Judas Maccabeus, climaxed by the retaking of the Temple in Jerusalem, which had been desecrated by the Syrians.

In an eight-day celebration, the Maccabees (as the rebels came to be known) cleansed and rededicated the Temple (Chanukah means "dedication"). According to the Talmud, there was only enough consecrated oil to relight the candelabra for one day, yet, miraculously, it remained lit for eight days.

The central feature of the observance of Chanukah is the nightly lighting of the Chanukiah, an eight-branched candelabra with a place for a ninth candle, the shammes, used to light the others. One candle is lit on the first night of Chanukah, and an additional candle is lit on each successive night, until, on the eighth night, the Chanukiah is fully illuminated.

TODAY’S CHRISTMAS TRIVIA

Question: National Whiners Day, which first began in 1986, falls on the day after what holiday?

Answer: Christmas; presumably the day after Christmas is a good day to whine

TODAY’S SMILE

TOP TEN REASONS FOR KEEPING CHRISTMAS ALIVE

Without Christmas, the candied fruit market would collapse!

Without Christmas, our slow, uneventful lives would have no stress whatsoever!

Without Christmas, barking dogs wouldn't have a music career!

Without Christmas, Santa would only be a really weird fat guy with poor fashion sense!

Without Christmas, there would be no Christmas bonuses!

Without Christmas, you'd have to waste money buying all your own underwear and socks!

Without Christmas, your cat would never know the joy of coughing up tinsel!

Without Christmas, December would feel a lot like February!

Without Christmas, Eggnog becomes just a disgusting beverage!

And the number one reason for keeping Christmas alive is:

Without Christmas, there would BE no Easter! — That means there would also be: no hope, no forgiveness, no victory over the grave. If that's the case, then the TRUE meaning of Christmas is certainly something worth celebrating!

RECIPE FOR CHRISTMAS JOY

1/2 cup Hugs

4 teaspoons Kisses

4 cups Love

1 cup Special Holiday Cheer

1/2 cup Peace on Earth

3 teaspoons Christmas Spirits

2 cups Goodwill Toward Man

1 Sprig of Mistletoe

1 medium-size bag of Christmas Snowflakes

Mix hugs, kisses, smiles and love until consistent. Blend in holiday cheer, peace on earth, Christmas spirits and good will toward men Use the mixture to fill a large, warm heart, where it can be stored for a lifetime, * it never goes bad *. Serve as desired under mistletoe, sprinkled liberally with special Christmas Snowflakes. It is especially good when accompanied by Christmas Carols and family get togethers. Serve to one and all

From Our Home to Yours....

MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

TODAY’S CHRISTMAS LINK

EVERY DAY IS CHRISTMAS

http://www.inspiringthots.net/movie/everyday-xmas.php

TODAY’S CHRISTMAS WORD

crèche noun

1. A representation of the Nativity, usually with statues or figurines.

2. A hospital for foundlings.

3. Chiefly British. A day nursery.

TODAY’S REFLECTION

Mary said, "Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word."

Luke 1:38

Mary was obedient to God's call to be the one who would give birth to God's Son Jesus Christ. The greatest blessings are the ones bound up in our fellowship with God.

Mary knew how important her relationship to God was. Maybe our celebration of this season would be more wonderful if we recognized that the glory of Christmas came about because of the willingness of ordinary people, like Mary, who obeyed God's claim in their lives.

Christmas is a time for miracles from a God who uses ordinary people, like Mary, and like you and me.

From Daily Devotions

http://www.devotions.net

TODAY’S ADVICE FROM THE OLD FARMER’S ALMANAC

Instinct is the nose of the mind

5 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 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/

BRIGHT SIDE LOGO BY SON #6

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