FOR FRIDAY, DECEMBER 21ST, 2007

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

DECEMBER 21ST, 2OO7

 

 

TODAY'S THOUGHT

Christmas is not a date. It is a state of mind.

Mary Ellen Chase

 

TODAY’S ACTION

 Rejoice during this special season.

 

TODAY’S QUOTE

We should make the Yuletide season an occasion not merely for the giving of material things but an occasion for the giving of that which counts infinitely more ... the giving of self.

J. C. Penney

 

HAPPY FRIDAY !!

Finally the work week is coming to an end. This evening will be a busy one preparing food for tomorrow.

Our Family Christmas together Saturday will begin with brunch around 11:30, then we’ll have gifts about 2:00 and dinner at 5:00 or so. It will be a full day for sure. All of this is taking place at the home of DS#5 and and his wife. They very graciously volunteered to have it there so that there would be more room.

The weather man says we are to warm up to 50 degrees today. That’s about unheard of for Ohio. Saturday will be in the 40’s and cloudy, then Sunday it’ll rain again changing to snow later in the day.

 It should be a white Christmas Day here.

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

 

TODAY’S PRAYERS

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

 

TO REMEMBER…

I am in the hands of God, and in God’s time all things will be made well.

 

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.

AND ITS…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, always on Humbug Day

Today is National French Fried Shrimp Day

Today is World Peace Day

1620 - The Mayflower, and its passengers, pilgrims from England, landed at Plymouth Rock, Massachusetts.

1937: The first feature-length color cartoon with sound premiered at Hollywood's Carthay Circle Theater. Walt Disney's Snow White & The Seven Dwarfs included 250-thousand of the one-million drawings 750 cartoonists completed for the project.

1970: Elvis Presley met President Richard Nixon at the White House after the singer offered to become a "Federal Agent-at-Large" to help fight drug abuse. Elvis was not made an agent, but his photo with Nixon is the most requested reproduction from the National Archives, more than the U.S. Constitution.

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. It stayed there for 79 weeks. Only The Sound of Music, with Julie Andrews, lasted longer: 109 weeks

 

TODAY’S SMILE

Q: If Santa doesn't have to age, then why has he become old?

A: He only appears to be old. He's an undercover kid.

 

Q: How can a sleigh possibly fly through the air?

A: If you were being pulled by eight flying reindeer, wouldn't you fly too?

 

Q: Why do we wish people a "Merry Christmas" instead of a "Happy Christmas"?

A: The two are about the same, but with "Merry Christmas" an extra twinkle is seen in the eyes.

 

Q: Why is a Christmas tree that has been chopped down called a "live Christmas tree"?

A: It's dead but doesn't know it, and yet it's having the time of its life.

 

Q: Why do we wrap our Christmas gifts with paper?

A: Because we like to see surprise and joy (real or kindly faked) in the recipients.

 

Q: How many angels can dance on the head of a pin?

A: Nowadays only four angels can dance there. Formerly there was no limit, but OSHA passed the Angel Safety Law recently, which also requires that the pin must be inspected twice each year for structural defects.

 

Q: How many gifts can Santa Claus's bag hold?

A: One less than infinity. Why one less? Because there's a limit to everything.

 

Q: How could a star that is high in the sky lead the Wise Men to a tiny manger on the ground?

A: Wisely, toward the end of their journey they asked directions from someone on the road. Had they not been so wise, they might have missed the manger by several hundred miles. (That person on the road has never been identified.)

 

Q: Is there really a Mrs. Santa Claus?

A: The best way to know for sure is to ask Santa Claus next time you see him.

 

Q: Why do we hear so many bells at Christmas time?

A: Because so many people ring them.

 

Q: Why do so many people ring bells at Christmas time?

A: For the poor, for the joy, and because a bell can say what words can't say.

 

Q: What can't words say?

A: The moment you wake up on Christmas morning, listen carefully. You may hear then what words can't say.

 

LEGEND OF THE CHRISTMAS ROSE

On their journey to Bethlehem, the Wise Men happened to meet a peasant girl named Madelon. As Madelon gazed upon their gifts, she was saddened because she had nothing to give to the Savior ~ not even a flower because it was winter.

She noticed the fragrance of a lily and looked up to see an angel, who had heard her sad cries. The angel waved the lily and made the pathway bloom with Christmas Roses. Madelon gathered some blooms in her arms and followed the Wise Men.

After the Wise Men had presented their gifts, Mary noticed Madelon standing there and told her to present her gift. The Holy Child turned and smiled at the peasant girl and when the fingers of JESUS touched the white flowers, they turned pink.

author unknown

 

Lo, How a Rose E'er Blooming

(This 15th Century Carol was originally written in German. In 1894 Theodore Baker translated the first 2 stanzas to English, Later, Harriet Reynolds Krauth translated the remaining portion) This hymn was sung in the 1971 Academy Award winning movie "Love Story"

Lo, how a Rose e'er blooming from tender stem hath sprung!

Of Jesse's lineage coming, as those of old have sung.

It came, a floweret bright, amid the cold of winter,

When half spent was the night.

Isaiah 'twas foretold it, the Rose I have in mind;

Mary we behold it, the virgin mother kind.

To show God's love aright, she bore to us a Savior,

When half spent was the night.

The shepherds heard the story proclaimed by angels bright,

How Christ, the Lord of glory was born on earth this night.

To Bethlehem they sped and in the manger found Him,

As angel heralds said. This Flower,

whose fragrance tender with sweetness fills the air,

Dispels with glorious splendor the darkness every where;

True Man, yet very God, from sin and death

He saves us, And lightens every load.

 

TODAY’S LINK

Snowman Greetings

 http://www.my-tgif.com/snowman07.htm

 

TODAY’S WORD

tocsin \TOCK-sin\, noun:

1. An alarm bell, or the ringing of a bell for the purpose of alarm. 2. A warning.

Tocsin derives from Medieval French touquesain, from Old Provençal tocasenh, from tocar, "to touch, to strike, to ring a bell" + senh, "church bell," ultimately from Latin signum, "sign, signal."

 

TODAY’S REFLECTION

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

Proverbs 22:9

Christmas is about sharing. And may we this Christmas also 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.

http://www.devotions.net

 

TODAY’S ADVICE FROM THE OLD FARMER’S ALMANAC

Holly berries shining red, mean a long winter, ’tis said.

1 DAYS UNTIL WINTER !

 

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

 

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FOR THURSDAY, DECEMBER 20TH, 2007

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

DECEMBER 20TH, 2OO7

 

 

 

TODAY'S THOUGHT

At Christmas, all roads lead home.

Marjorie Holmes

 

TODAY’S ACTION

Be sensitive to the messages of hope that greet you

 

TODAY’S QUOTE

The world's alive with Christmas joy!

Come join the merry throng.

You'll find upon your lips a smile,

Within your heart a song.

Nadine Brothers Lybarger

 

HAPPY THURSDAY !!

I almost forgot when I looked at the calendar for this week that tonight is my Bible Study. So that’s where you’ll find me this evening. Not much has been done in the way of ‘house blessing’ here yet, so the ‘Newlyweds’ may just have to put up with whatever they may find when they stay over this weekend.

Today either on my lunch hour or after work I need to pick up a few things at the grocery store so I’ll have what is needed for Saturday. I keep adding to my ‘to do and ‘to get’ lists so I won’t forget anything.

DS#2 and DS#4 and their families will be missing from our Family Christmas this year but I did get their gifts in the mail last Saturday. I know that DS#4 and family got theirs but I haven’t heard yet about DS#2’s. Hopefully everyone got everything.

It is always hard to get everyone together at one time. The last time that happened was about 4 years ago. T

ake good care all ! Watch out for those reindeer!

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

 

TODAY’S PRAYERS

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

 

TO REMEMBER… I am in the hands of God, and in God’s time all things will be made well.

 

TODAY IS…DOT YOUR ‘I’S’ WITH SMILEY FACES DAY

Honoring all girls named Mindy, Tiffany, and Brittany everywhere  ***BIG SMILE****

The smiley, smiley face, or happy face is a stylized representation of a smiling human face, commonly represented as a yellow button with two dots representing eyes and a half circle representing the mouth. Smiley is also sometimes used as a generic term for any emotion

The very earliest known examples of the graphic are attributed to Harvey Ball, who devised the face in 1963 for a Worcester, Massachuetts – based insurance firm. Ball never attempted to use, promote or trademark the image; it fell into the public domain in the United States before that could be accomplished. As a result, Ball never made any profit for the iconic image he allegedly creted beyond his initial $45 fee.

 

TODAY’S TRIVIA

Try To Remember Where You Hid The Christmas Gifts Day

National Go Caroling Day

1920: English-born Leslie Townes Hope became a U.S. citizen at age 17. He had lived in the U.S. since he was five. Though he dreamed of becoming a boxer, instead he became comedian Bob Hope.

1932 - Al Jolson recorded April Showers on Brunswick Records.

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.

 

More triva…

A research organization, making a study of juvenile delinquency, telephoned fifty homes between 9:30 and 10:30 at night to ask parents if they knew where their children were. Half of the calls were answered by children who had no idea where their parents were.

 

TODAY’S LINK

A Christmas Card for all of you !

http://www.jacquielawson.com/viewcard.asp?code=0212320003

 

TODAY’S SMILE

 

CHRISTMAS POEM

Author unknown

I have a list of folks I know, all written in a book And every year when Christmas comes, I go and take a look, And that is when I realize that these names are a part Not of the book they are written in, but really of my heart.

For each name stands for someone who has crossed my path sometime, And in the 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.

And while 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 a pleasant word or of a friendly face.

So never think my Christmas cards are just a mere routine Of names upon a Christmas list, forgotten in between, For when I send a Christmas card that is addressed to you, It is because you're on the list that I'm indebted to.

For I am but a total of the many folks I've met, And you happen to be one of those I prefer not to forget. And whether I have known you for many years or few, In some ways you have a part in shaping things I do.

And every year when Christmas comes, I realize anew, The best gifts life can offer is meeting folks like you. And may the spirit of Christmas that forever endures Leave its richest blessings in the hearts of you and yours.

(from my heart to yours for sure )

 

TODAY’S WORD

 discursive \dis-KUR-siv\, adjective:

1. Passing from one topic to another; ranging over a wide field; digressive; rambling.

2. Utilizing, marked by, or based on analytical reasoning -- contrasted with intuitive.

 

TODAY’S REFLECTION

Be still, and know that I am God...

Psalm 46:10

Christmas is filled with the clamor of shoppers, Christmas songs broadcast in the mall, Christmas bells rung in church spires and on the street. Even at home there are many clamorous interruptions -- the phone ringing, the TV, someone at the door.

Then there is the clamor within our lives -- selecting and wrapping gifts, decorating the house, baking goodies, preparing for guests. This entire clamor can drown out our thoughts of what Christmas is all about and make us tense and touchy.

God can bring you peace in the middle of all this noise and distraction, if you will only be still and listen. Just as there is total calm in the eye of a hurricane, so can there be total calm with God in life's hurricanes

Devotional Message found at ourprayer.org

 

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.

 

2 DAYS UNTIL WINTER !

 

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

 

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FOR WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 19TH, 2

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

DECEMBER 19TH, 2OO7

 

 

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

Reflect and enjoy this wonderful time of year

 

TODAY’S QUOTE

When Christmas bells are swinging

above the fields of snow,

We hear sweet voices ringing

from lands of long ago,

And etched on vacant places

Are half-forgotten faces

Of friends we used to cherish,

 and loves we used to know

Ella Wheeler Wilcox

 

HAPPY WEDNESDAY !!

OVER THE HUMP DAY

I’m very thankful that now there will be only 2 days of work left this week. Tonight and tomorrow evening, I hope to get a little cleaning done and Friday evening I have a few things to put together for our Christmas brunch and dinner on Saturday.

Of course I’ll have to make the ‘deviled’ eggs for sure. My work place is always very generous in providing a ham for each employee so Ill be taking that and some baked beans too ! Those 2 things always seem to go together.

Today should be another busy one at work as will the rest of the week.

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

 

TODAY’S PRAYERS

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

 

TO REMEMBER…

I am in the hands of God, and in God’s time all things will be made well.

 

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.

I have made this one before and it is delicious!

 

TODAY’S TRIVIA

Today is National Oatmeal Muffin Day

Today is National Build a Snowman Day

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

1843: "A Christmas Carol," by Charles Dickens, was first published in England.

1918 - Robert Ripley began his Believe It or Not column in The New York Globe

1957: Meredith Wilson's musical play "The Music Man" opened on Broadway.

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

 

TODAY’S LINK

THE LITTLEST CHRISTMAS TREE

http://our.homewithgod.com/mkcathy/MerryChristmas/little.html

 

TODAY’S SMILE

It was just a Christmas Angel, that my Mom put on our tree.

She bought it at a five and dime, when I was only three.

Each year we'd trim our Christmas tree, with lights and ornaments.

Then Mom would always tell me, what the Angel represents.

The Angels came to tell the shepherds, of the Christ Child's birth.

And, Angels are still here with us, to guide us here on earth.

The Angel on our Christmas tree, was made in such a way.

That if the light inside burned out, you just threw it away.

The light burned out when I was twelve, the Angel would not shine.

But, Mom would not throw it away, she said it looked just fine.

She loved that little Angel, that she put upon our tree.

She said it didn't need a light, for anyone to see.

Then I grew up, and I moved out to start my family.

And, I'd go home at Christmas time, to help her trim her tree.

My wife and children went with me, to mom's house every year.

The house was filled with love and joy, as we shared Christmas cheer.

The kids would always say to her, "The Angel is burned out."

Then, she would smile and tell them, what the Angel's all about.

She told another reason, for it's specialty.

Your daddy picked that Angel out, when he was only three.

My mother passed away this year, early in the spring.

And then I had the painful task, of going through her things.

The beautiful old house she owned, was left me in her will.

We moved back in the summertime, we feel her in it still.

Early in December, we brought out our Christmas tree.

I went up to the attic, just to see what I could see I saw a cardboard box, with markings, "ornaments and stuff."

And in it was the little Angel, that she loved so much.

I brought the cardboard box downstairs, and showed the family.

Then they persuaded me to put the Angel on our tree.

We trimmed the tree that weekend, as we talked of Christmas past.

Then when the tree was finally done, the Angel went on last.

Every night till Christmas, all the lights were burning bright.

Except the little Angel, that had long burned out her light.

Then on Christmas morning, I arose before the rest.

I had to have my coffee, to be at my very best.

I walked into the living room, my coffee cup in hand.

Then what I saw, so puzzled me, I could not understand.

I just stood in silence, as, my eyes filled up with tears.

The little angel was all aglow, that had been dark for many years.

author unknown

What Christmas Carol is a favorite of parents?

Silent Night

Why does Santa go down the chimney on Christmas Eve?

Because is 'soots' him

What do snowmen eat for breakfast?

Snowflakes

Why is turkey popular at Christmas?

Because the weather is warmer over there.

TODAY’S WORD

auctorial \awk-TOR-ee-ul\ adjective:

of or relating to an author

The capacity to tell a plain tale is the greatest of the auctorial gifts

 

TODAY’S REFLECTION

Just as iron sharpens iron, friends sharpen the minds of each other.

Proverbs 27:17

The first Christmas cards were made long before TV, telephones, the Internet or evenreliable mail delivery. People drew their own pictures and made the cards, which were greatly valued by those who received them.

Then cards began to be printed and the custom became a popular one. Some began to enclose letters telling of family events during the past year and this continues. With the coming of the computer, many have returned to printing their own Christmas cards and letters, embellishing them with photos of the family activities.

Although we may laugh about receiving letters telling us about family relatives and friends that we don't even know, we still enjoy hearing from friends that live far away. And the cards and letters bring back happy memories of times past.

This Christmas think of someone to whom you might bring joy to the heart by your loving message. You can also pass on the Good News of your faith, when you send a Christmas card or letter to someone.

Let's never forget the reason we are celebrating this happy holiday -- our Savior's birth!

Today’s Prayerful Living Message at ourprayer.org

 

TODAY’S ADVICE FROM THE OLD FARMER’S ALMANAC

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

 

3 DAYS UNTIL WINTER !

 

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

 

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FOR TUESDAY, DECEMBER 18TH, 2OO7

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

DECEMBER 18TH, 2OO7

 

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

Christmas now surrounds us,

Happiness is everywhere

Our hands are busy with many tasks

As carols fill the air.

Shirley Sallay

 

HAPPY TUESDAY !!

BRRRCHILL !

We started out Monday at 24 degrees and it continued on a downhill slide. It was 19 when I got home from work. Today is supposed to be in the 30’s.

Tonite is my dulcimer get together and for the final time this year we’ll be playing our Christmas music. We’ll take a break now til March or April depending on the weather. No one likes going out on cold snowy nights.

I had several e-mails today warning about scams going on all over the internet. Please be careful about any e-mails you open and never never give out any personal information to anyone.

Lots of crazy things going on and I fear they will just get worse.

Keep warm and be safe all !

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

 

TODAY’S PRAYERS

 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

 

TO REMEMBER…

I am in the hands of God, and in God’s time all things will be made well.

 

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

Today is National Roast Suckling Pig Day

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.

1787 - This is the day when New Jersey was counted as the third state to enter the United States of America.. New Jersey’s many truck farms, orchards and flower gardens gave the state its nickname: The Garden State. Trenton, the capital of New Jersey, was once the capital of the new nation. The New Jersey state flower is the purple violet, the state bird, the eastern goldfinch, and the state motto: "Liberty and Prosperity."

1865 - “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.” With these words, slavery was abolished in the United States. On this day a proclamation by the U.S. Secretary of State announced the thirteenth amendment to the Constitution had been ratified by the legislatures of twenty-seven of the thirty-six states.

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 LINK

THE VOICE OF CHRISTMAS

http://www.share-christmas.com/stories/voice/

 

TODAY’S SMILE

It isn't the tinsel, The wrapping or things,

That make me feel happy and

Make my heart sing.

The reason is simple

(at least just to me)

The reason is Jesus!

Woohoo!!! Yip Yippee!!!

He gave us the best,

Finest gift there could be!

He gave us Himself,

When He died on a tree.

So when I see my tree

All twinkly with lights

I think of Bethlehem

On that most special night.

I look at the star,

Right at the top

And remember the star

And where it stopped.

The presents beneath it,

Bring to recall The Magi and gifts

In a cold stable stall.

To many, these things

Are symbols of greed.

To me they remind me

Of what mankind needs!

The gift that was wrapped

And placed in stable stall

Was the very BEST gift,

Yes, the BEST gift of all!

So that's why I celebrate ...

I can't be much clearer,

Christmas season to me

Simply brings Jesus nearer!

author unknown

 

A little Story for you today

Shortly before Christmas one year I almost stumbled over a little boy in the middle of the pavement who was so busy playing with a toy merry-go-round, a waddling duck and a walking man that he was oblivious to the crowd milling around him.

His obvious pleasure made me think the same toys would delight my own youngster. I asked the little boy where he got them. "In there," he said, pointing to a shop behind him.

I went in and asked for the toys the small boy was playing with. "Who is he?" I asked, as the proprietress wrapped my purchases. She smiled, "you might say he's my Christmas present.

A few days ago he came in and stood staring longingly at the merry-go-round. "Would you like it for Christmas," I asked. "Mummy says there isn't any money for Christmas this year. We lost our Dad a little while ago," he explained, and turned to go.

It had been a lean season for me: but it was the week before Christmas. I gave him the merry-go-round and he was so delighted that he got no further than the footpath before he sat down and wound it up.

Then the most amazing thing happened. People stopped to talk to him: and I've never had so many customers. I kept count of the merry-go-rounds I sold and when he got up to go I called him in and gave him a small commission.

I asked him to come back the next day, and added the duck and the man to his playthings. Yesterday his commission amounted to $11!"

Author Unknown

 

TODAY’S WORD

 unfledged \uhn-FLEJD\, adjective:

1. Lacking the feathers necessary for flight.

2. Not fully developed; immature.

Unfledged is from obsolete fledge, "capable of flying; feathered," from Middle English flegge, from Old English -flycge.

 

TODAY’S REFLECTION

Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign. Look, the young woman is with child and shall bear a son, and shall name him Immanuel.

Isaiah 7:14

According to Matthew, Immanuel means, "God is with us." You see, Mary's miracle is one of hope for all of us. It's a miracle that says that God has not abandoned us to the consequences of our own sinfulness.

Rather, God sent Jesus as our deliverer, and our savior That is the miracle of Christmas. Jesus, the Christ child, turns our despair into hope.

Daily Devotions http://www.devotions.net

 

TODAY’S ADVICE FROM THE OLD FARMER’S ALMANAC

Kindnesses, like grain, increase by sowing

 

4 DAYS UNTIL WINTER !

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 , DECEMBER 16TH, 2007

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

DECEMBER 16TH, 2OO7

 

 

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

Looking back, may I be filled with gratitude;

Looking forward, may I be filled with hope;

Looking upward, may I be aware of strength;

Looking inward, may I find peace;

Author Unknown

 

HAPPY SUNDAY !!

RAIN is falling this morning and it’s 33 degrees right now . They are saying more snow today than we got yesterday.

I heard from DS#2 yesterday. He was on his way home. He’ll actually be in his home port tomorrow, but they had several stop overs on the way. Then he’ll be going off to see his children for Christmas. After that he has to move into his new home that has been waiting for him ever since he left for overseas.

It was very good to hear from him, as I’ve known the time was getting close, but wasn’t sure exactly when. I’m just about finished up here with my Christmas preparations and can slow down now and enjoy it all.

Take good care all!

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

 

TODAY’S PRAYERS

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 ALL !

 

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

 

TO REMEMBER…

I am in the hands of God, and in God’s time all things will be made well.

 

TODAY IS…BEETHOVEN DAY

In honor of the birthday of Ludwig Von Beethoven Born in Germany in 1770

Happy Beethoven Day!

May it be an orchestration of celebration

 

TODAY’S TRIVIA

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.

1903 - Women ushers were employed for the first time at the Majestic Theatre in New York City

1905 - Sime Silverman published the first issue of Variety, the weekly show biz magazine. The first issue was 16 pages in length and sold for a nickel. Variety and Daily Variety are still going strong.

 

TODAY’S SMILE

The Story of the Christmas Guest

by Helen Steiner Rice

It happened one day at December's end Some neighbors called on an old-time friend. And they found his shop so meager and mean,

Made gay with a thousand boughs of green. And old Conrad was sitting with face ashine.

When he suddenly stopped as he stitched the twine. And he said "My friends at dawn today,

When the cock was crowing the night away, The Lord appeared in a dream to me.

And He said, 'I'm coming your guest to be" So I've been busy with feet astir, Strewing my shop with branches of fir.

The table is spread and the kettle is shined, And over the rafters the holly is twined.

And now I'll wait for my Lord to appear; And listen closely so I will hear, His steps as he nears my humble place.

And I'll open the door and I'll look on his face."

Then his friends went home and left Conrad alone,

For this was the happiest day he had known.

 For long since his family had passed away.

And Conrad had spent many a sad Christmas Day.

But he knew with the Lord as his Christmas guest,

This Christmas would be the dearest and best.

 So he listened with only joy in his heart, And with every sound he would rise with a start,

And looked for the Lord to be at his door. Like the vision that he had had a few hours before.

So he ran to the window after hearing a sound, But all he could see on the snow covered ground

Was a shabby beggar whose shoes were torn. And all his clothes were ragged and worn.

But old Conrad was touched and he went to the door

And he said, "Your feet must be cold and sore. I have some shoes in my shop for you. And I have a coat to keep you warmer, too."

So with grateful heart the man went away. But Conrad notice the time of day

And he wondered what made the dear Lord so late,

And how much longer he'd have to wait.

Then he heard another knock, and he ran to the door,

 But it was only a stranger once more.

A bent old lady with a shawl of black,

And a bundle of kindling piled on her back.

But she asked only for a place to rest, a place that was reserved, for Conrad's great guest.

But her voice seemed to plead, "Don't send me away,

Let me rest for awhile this Christmas Day."

So Conrad brewed her a steaming cup

And told her to sit at the table and sup.

After she had left, he was filled with dismay

For he saw that the hours were slipping away

The Lord had not come as He said He would

And Conrad felt sure he had misunderstood.

When out of the stillness he heard a cry.

"Please help, me and tell me - Where am I?"

So again he opened his friendly door.

And stood disappointed as twice before.

It was a child who had wandered away,

And was lost from her family on Christmas Day.

Again Conrad's heart was heavy and sad,

But he knew he could make this little girl glad.

So he called her in and he wiped her tears,

And he quieted all her childish fears.

Then he led her back to her home once more.

Then as he entered his own darkened door,

He knew that the Lord was not coming today,

For the hours of Christmas, had all passed away.

So he went to his room, and he knelt down to pray.

He said, "Lord, why did you delay?

What kept You from coming to call on me?

I wanted so much Your face to see."

Then softly, in the silence, a voice he heard.

"Lift up your head - I have kept My word.

Three times my shadow crossed your floor.

Three times I came to your lowly door.

I was the beggar with bruised cold feet;

I was the woman you gave something to eat;

I was the child on the homeless street.

Three times I knocked, three times I came in,

And each time I found the warmth of a friend.

Of all the gifts, love is the best.

I was honored to be your Christmas guest..

 

The 12 Days of Christmas -- The Rest of the Story

When most people hear of "The 12 Days of Christmas", they think of the song. This song had its origins as a teaching tool to instruct young people in the meaning and content of the Christian faith. Each of the items in the song represents something of religious significance. The hidden meaning of each gift was designed to help young Christians learn their faith.

The song goes, "On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me..." The "true love" represents God and the "me" who receives these presents is the Christian. Here you go:

The "partridge in a pear tree" was Jesus Christ who died on a tree as a gift from God.

The "two turtle doves" were the Old and New Testaments - another gift from God.

The "three French hens" were faith, hope and love - the three gifts of the Spirit that abide (I Corinthians 13).

The "four calling birds" were the four Gospels which sing the song of salvation through Jesus Christ.

The "five golden rings" were the first five books of the Bible also called the "Books of Moses".

The "six geese a-laying" were the six days of creation.

The "seven swans a swimming" were the "seven gifts of the Holy Spirit". (I Corinthians 12:8-11; Romans 12, Ephesians 4; I Peter 4:10-11).

The "eight maids a milking" were the eight beatitudes.

The "nine ladies dancing" were nine fruits of the Holy Spirit. (Galatians 5:22 & 23)

The "ten lords a-leaping" were the Ten Commandments.

The "eleven pipers piping" were the eleven faithful disciples.

The "twelve drummers drumming" were the twelve points of the Apostles' Creed.

So, the next time you hear "The 12 Days of Christmas", consider how this otherwise non-religious sounding song had its origins in the Christian faith.

TODAY’S LINK

SNOW GLOBE

http://ww12.e-tractions.com/snowglobe/globe.htm

 

TODAY’S 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.

French, from Old French cresche, crib, of Germanic origin.

 

TODAY’S REFLECTION

Like the appearance of a rainbow in the clouds on a rainy day, so was the radiance around him

Ezekiel 1:28

The rainbow represents hope and the fulfillment of promises. The enemy of hope is despair, and this generation has plenty of that. Witness the suicide rate from young to old. Where is the middle ground wherein hope lies?

What is in that person who knows without a doubt that God does care and He will take utmost pains with us? What is the rainbow in that person's life? Is it a Person, a person, an ideal, a dream? Is it all of the above?

When did God set the rainbow in that person's life and make it radiant? Let us search for the rainbow God has for us today!

 

TODAY’S ADVICE FROM THE OLD FARMER’S ALMANAC

For a flaky, tender piecrust, make sure that all the ingredients and utensils are cold

6 DAYS UNTIL WINTER !

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

 

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FOR SATURDAY, DECEMBER 15TH, 2007

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

DECEMBER 15TH, 2OO7

 

 

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

May Christmas bring you happiness,

A song to fill your heart

With all the blessings large and small

The season doth impart.

Garnett Ann Schultz

 

HAPPY SUPER SATURDAY !!

I’ll be going off to the post office this morning bright and early to get gifts for DS#4 and his family and DS#2 and his family in the mail finally. With any luck they’ll receive them in 3 days as I’ll send it priority mail. This time of year I wouldn’t trust the regular mail to get it there on time.

DD had a super graduation ceremony last night. They really did a nice presentation and gave us all lots of insight into the health care field. I can’t say often enough How proud I am of my daughter for studying so hard. She received all the awards from Alpha Beta Kappa Honors Society to the perfect attendance …every award the school had to offer – she got.

DS#1 and family made it up and will head home after lunch today. We are due for a big snow storm later today and he wants to get home before it hits. They call it a ‘panhandle hook’ which is the storm we get the most snow out of. Predictions say 8 to 12 inches of snow.

Take good care all !

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

 

TODAY’S PRAYERS

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 !

 

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

 

TO REMEMBER…

I am in the hands of God, and in God’s time all things will be made well.

 

TODAY IS…NATIONAL FIRE FIGHTERS DAY

Celebrated by presidential proclamation to honor all Fire fighters everywhere.

For all they risk and all that they do Here is a sincere THANKS!

 

TODAY’S TRIVIA

Today is Trivial Pursuit Day, honoring Canadians Chris Haney and Scott Abbott, who created the game on this date in 1979.

Halcyon Days begin today, a two-week period of calm and tranquility, dating to ancient times when the fabled halcyon bird calmed the wind and waves

1791 - The Bill of Rights was ratified this day in Virginia. The Bill of Rights is comprised of the first ten amendments to the U.S. Constitution

1939 - Nylon yarn was sold to hosiery mills to make women’s stockings, marking the first use of commercial yarn for apparel. The DuPont product enabled a record number of ladies’ hose to go on sale for the first time in May 1940. And it all started in nylon’s hometown: Wilmington, Delaware

1941 - A musical standard was recorded this day on Victor Records. Lena Horne sang the torch classic that became her signature: Stormy Weather. “Don’t know why there’s no sun up in the sky. Stormy weather...”

1954 - Davy Crockett, Indian Fighter was featured on Walt Disney’s TV series for the first time. Crockett was played by Fess Parker. It wasn’t long before the Davy Crockett craze brought a new number one song to the pop music charts. “Davy, Davy Crockett, king of the wild frontier.”

 

TODAY’S SMILE

A heavy snowstorm closed the schools in one town. When the children returned to school a few days later, one grade school teacher asked her students whether they had used the time away from school constructively.

"I sure did, teacher," one little girl replied. "I just prayed for more snow."

 

TODAY’S WORD

frangible \FRAN-juh-buhl\, adjective:

Capable ofbeing broken; brittle; fragile; easily broken.

Frangible ultimately derives from Latin frangere, "to break."

 

TODAY’S REFLECTION

The Lord is my light and my salvation — whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life — of whom shall I be afraid?

Psalm 27:1

Candles were originally used to light the Christmas tree, but there was always the danger of a house fire. After Thomas Edison invented the light bulb, people in the late 1800s began to use electric bulbs, many of which were different colors. But the lights were so expensive that only the wealthy could use them.

Then mass production brought the costs down so that they are now produced in many fascinating shapes and sizes for the pleasure of many.

If you believe that the Lord is your life and your salvation, your faith can make you the kind of joyful person who lights up lives around you.

When you have the faith to believe that, your light will shine brightly amid the darkness, both at Christmas and throughout the year.

ourprayer.org

Make us aware

That the Christmas story

Is everyone's promise

Of eternal glory

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.

7 DAYS UNTIL WINTER !

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

 

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