Friday, November 30, 2007

CHAPTER 11, PAGE 30

 

 

 

According to sources, the following letter was found

in the 'Letters To Santa' box at the Post Office

in Thompson Falls, Montana

 

Dear Santa:

What do I ask this year? I have perused each ad in my mailbox, pored over the colorful ads in the newspaper. So many lovely things, and yet I need nothing.

I realize this as I walk up the hill on my strong legs. I can hear the air fill my lungs. I feel the cold on my cheeks. I smell the smoke of the fire that warms my home. I see the snow-capped mountains and the slate gray river peppered with fat geese.

I need nothing: there are people who love me. There are people who forgive my sometimes wretched temper and who touch me with loving hands. There are neighbors who smile in the store. There are shopkeepers who are tolerant when I don’t have enough money. There are kind faces in public places.

There is a fat pregnant cat who sneaks into my garage. Dogs and other cats share my hearth; I love to feel their fur with my feet. There are hawks that teach their young of flight, right there behind my house.

There are deer that tiptoe into my yard and savor the fat apples in the snow. Rows of glassed vegetables; green beans, tomatoes, peas and carrots color my pantry. And a rusty bucket of hand tools and neatly dried seeds promises next year’s riches.

I need nothing! Christmas promises already fulfilled redeem my foolish life, and occasionally I glimpse the feast that awaits me when this earthly one is done.

Today I discovered a hole in my jeans. I felt the December air slither down my leg. How mighty is the hand that sweeps the wind along the mountains.

Santa, dear old soul,

just give me another day like this one in my life.

GOOD MORNING !

I may not have the rows of glassed vegetables and a rusty bucket with seeds for next year, but just like the letter to Santa, I can say I need nothing this year.

My babes always ask for some ideas for Christmas and it gets harder and harder for me to think of something I need. I do need them around me and celebrating as a family, but they won't all be home together for a while....

Since I couldn't really come up with anything I did tell them that my old bedroom set...comforter sheets and curtains were getting quite worn out. So I guess they are all going together and getting that for me this year. But I didn't really need it...

I make do with a lot of old things around here. I just can't see why they should be replaced when they serve their purpose very well. There is just me and a few critters left at home and our needs are very simple and small.

Thankfully, today is FINALLY FRIDAY. I am so looking forward to the weekend. I've much to do and I know the list will never be done in one weekend, but I'll be giving it my best shot for sure.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

My Christmas Wish

If I could have a Christmas wish come true,

I would wish for wonderful things to come to you.

I wish you happiness in everything you do,

I hope not many worries or problems will come to you.

I wish you hope that can brighten the cloudiest day,

And strength to accept all that life sends your way.

May you rise each day with sunlight in your heart,

And may all your hopes and dreams never fall apart.

With my warmest thoughts, and memories of you,

I wish that all your joys, and wishes will come true.

When these special wishes are delivered to your door,

There's no doubt they will be, accompanied by many more.

Of all the Christmas wishes delivered to you yearly,

There couldn't be another that's wished more warmly or sincerely.

Author unknown but warmly expessed from me to you !

May the season's simple joys

Warm your heart...

Fill your home...

Last a lifetime

MA

 

 

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Thursday, November 29, 2007

CHAPTER 11, PAGE 29

Christmas is a time of love,

A time of joy and cheer.

Christmas is a peaceful time,

That wondrous time of year.

A time of faith, a time of hope,

Of friendships much more true;

Christmas is a joyous time

When love shall come to you.

Christmas is a little child.

It's tinsel shining bright,

Frosted windows, snowy lanes,

Candles in the night.

It's Santa Claus and dreams come true,

So much that gladness sees;

It's holly wreaths and silver bells

And star-tipped Christmas trees.

Christmas is a place called home...

A door thrown open wide;

A crackling fire all aglow

And loving hearts inside.

It's happy faces, shining eyes,

Soft music in the air;

It's tissue, ribbon, cards to write

And secrets everywhere.

Christmas is a lighted church...

The very nicest part,

Believing in a special way

A prayer that fills your heart.

It's friendliness so much more real,

A blessing from above;

 Christmas is the special time

We greet the folks we love.

Author Unknown

GOOD MORNING !

I've got Christmas on my mind alot these days. So much to do in so little time it seems. I've been shopping and am almost done with that and I've started the cards and will hopefully get them done this weekend, but my I do have a lot of gifts to sort and wrap.

I usually sort out gifts for each family and then count them to make sure all is even and no one is forgotten. You see even if they are all grown, they'll count up to make sure no one has got more than the other...kids never do grow up.

That is the chore ahead of me...maybe by next week I'll have least got that much done. I'm so glad tomorrow is Friday !

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

It's not the glow you feel when snow appears,

It's not the Christmas card you've sent for years,

Not the joyful sound when sleigh bells ring,

Or the merry songs children sing.

The little things you do on Christmas Day

Will not bring back the friend you've turned away.

So may I suggest the secret of Christmas

Is not the things you do at Christmas time,

But the little things you do all year through.

Author unknown

May the season's simple joys

Warm your heart...

Fill your home...

Last a lifetime

MA

 

Wednesday, November 28, 2007

CHAPTER 11, PAGE 28

 

A Little Prayer to Start the Day...

 

God Give Us eyes this Christmas

To see the Christmas Star.

And give us ears to hear

the song of angels from afar

And, with our eyes and ears attuned

for a message from above,

Let "Christmas Angels" speak to us

of hope and faith and love

Hope to light our pathway

When the way ahead is dark,

Hope to sing through stormy days,

with the sweetness of the lark

Faith to trust in things unseen

and know beyond all seeing

That it is in our Fathers love

We live and have our being

And love to break down barriers

of color, race and creed,

Love to see and understand

and help all those in need.

Amen

GOOD MORNING !

I put in a little picture of my fleece top that I wore to work yesterday. We dress pretty casual and so I really can wear just about anything I want. Comfort is always my priority.

This fleece that they have now does keep you nice and warm for sure. When I remember and have time I'll put more pictures of my shirts or sweeters for you .

The other day someone ask if I was going to be made redundant as my boss was retiring. No I'm not is the answer. They've got me for a least one year and a few more months and then I'll turn the grand 65 and can officially retire myself.

I'm counting down the days already. The good thing will be that they find some one that I can train long before I leave. There are so many different aspects to my job that a simple 2 week orientation won't really do a proper job of it.

Oh well, that is a long way off and mean while... I owe, I owe Its off to work I go....

HO Ho HO

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Choose your partners, one and all,

Aspirin, Advil or Tylenol!

Now fling those covers with all you've got.

One minute cold, the next minute hot.

Circle right to the side of the bed,

Grab the tissues and Sudafed.

Back to the middle and don't goof off,

Hold your stomach and

cough, cough, cough.

Forget about slippers,

dash down the hall.

Toss your cookies in the shower stall

Remember others on the brink

Wash your hands, wash the sink.

Wipe the doorknob, the light switch too,

Now you've got it, you're doing the flu.

Some like it cold, some like it hot,

If you like neither, then get the shot.

 

I did get mine...hope you all do too !

 

May the season's simple joys

Warm your heart...

Fill your home...

Last a lifetime

 

MA

 

 

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Tuesday, November 27, 2007

CHAPTER 11, PAGE 27

Just this once, Lord,

I want to come to you with no problems,

but simply to say, Thank You:

For your forgiveness when I fail...

For the sheer joy of sleep when I'm terribly tired...

For the remedies for sickness when I am ill...

For the assurance that You have made a place especially for me...

For the joy of helping others when I see people in need...

For the earthly evidences of Your will...

For the fun that refreshes when everything gets too serious...

For the renewal in moments of silence...

For your abiding presence that makes every day

I live a day of thanks.

 

GOOD MORNING !

As you can see I made it through Monday and am up and ready to go once more. I looked through my drawers and closet and managed to find 25 Christmas themed shirts or sweat shirts. So starting yesterday I'll be wearing a different one each day....

You may think it is crazy to have so many seasonal shirts, but over the years they just have acuumulated. Some are snowmen, some are santas, some have bells others have stockings on them. I like to have a little bit of fun in my life, so I'll wear them each day and maybe even cause someone to have a ***BIG SMILE*** when they see my decorated self.

Ho, Ho, Ho !

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

All I Needed to Know About Life I Learned From Santa

Encourage people to believe in you.

Always remember who's naughty and who's nice.

Don't pout.

It's as much fun to give as it is to receive.

Some days it's okay to feel a little chubby.

Make your presents known.

Always ask for a little bit more than what you really want.

Bright red can make anyone look good.

Wear a wide belt and no-one will notice how many pounds you've gained.

If you only show up once a year, everyone will think you're very important.

Whenever you're at a loss for words, say: "HO, HO, HO!"

May the season's simple joys

Warm your heart...

Fill your home...

Last a lifetime

MA

 

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Monday, November 26, 2007

CHAPTER 11, PAGE 26

 

IT'S THE GREATEST TIME OF THE YEAR

It's the greatest time of year,

and it's here

Help me celebrate it

With everybody here, friends so dear

Let me simply state it

It's our favourite way to spend the holiday

Yeah

 

There's a special kind of feeling in the air

It only happens at this time of year

When everyone is filled with love and cheer

'Cause that's what matters

Pretty paper boxes tied with bows

Walking in the sun or in the snow

We can feel the excitement growing, knowing

 

It's the greatest time of year,

and it's here

Help me celebrate it

With everybody here, friends so dear

Let me simply state it

 

Joy to the world and everyone

Lift up your hearts and feel the love

It's our favourite way, to spend the holiday

Yeah

 

GOOD MORNING !

I found the Christmas song above listed in the carols at this site. http://www.carolingcorner.com/greatesttime.html

It has lyrics for just about any Christmas song that you might want to sing. I love the music of the season and have it playing at work and at home from now til Christmas. Actually the station I listen to on the radio had it playing last Tuesday .

I don't know who sings this particular song or who wrote it, but I like what it says. Lift up your Hearts!

It is back to work this morning!

My boss has his surgery today. He has broken his ankle more than once and I guess it didn't heal correctly, so this is a corrective procedure . It is supposed to lay him up for about 6 weeks and then come the New Year he is retiring.

Lots of changes will be coming my way I fear. Since he'll be having nothing to do for awhile because he won't be allowed to do anything, I expect there will be lots of phone calls, giving me lots to do in the days ahead.

DS#6 designed our company Christmas cards this year( he is a graphic designer) and they are finished and in the trunk of my car to take to work today.l That means that besides everything else that may be on the menu for today, I can start stuffing envelopes and sending out cards. I also have to make a trip to the post office and get stamps for all those cards.

It is a busy time of year, and yes, I love it!

 

  BLESSING FOR THE DAY

No snow in the forecast til about Thursday

 

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Life is hard by the yard; inch by inch, it's a cinch.

Unknown

May JOY find your HEART and warm your SOUL.

MA

 

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Sunday, November 25, 2007

PICTURES OF OUR THANKSGIVING

pictures gone

I thought I'd added pictures for you all to see...but where are they...I'll try again...

CHAPTER 11, PAGE 25

Each time you light a candle, you might remember

your role as a lamplighter and the beautiful prayer

which is used in Salisbury Cathedral, England that reads:

 

Lighting a candle is a prayer;

When we have gone it stays alight

Kindling in the hearts and minds

Of others the prayers

We have already offered for them and for others

For the sad, the sick, and the suffering

and prayers of thankfulness too.

Lighting a candle is a parable;

Burning itself out, It gives light to others.

Christ gave himself for others.

He calls us to give ourselves.

Lighting a candle is a symbol;

Of love and hope,

Of light and warmth.

Our world needs them all.

 

GOOD MORNING!

I am up, but not very awake this morning!  It's my R&R day and as always, I do need this day to get refreshed and renewed for another work week.  It was a grand weekend .  I got lots done and also enjoyed having those in my family, that could make it home, all together to celebrate another holiday. 

DS#6 and his wife spent the night here and they'll be going to church with me this morning.  DD and DS#5 will be there too, as they are the 2 of my babes that still live in our hometown.  Everyone else went back home around 9:00 last night. 

I'll be saying prayers for you all today and hoping that the Christmas season brings you only good things and that the gifts of peace, hope, and love abide in your homes and your hearts.

 

BLESSING FOR THE DAY

A DAY TO RELAX

 

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Do you pause in meditation

Upon life’s thoroughfare,

And offer up thanksgiving—

Or say a word of prayer?

Helen Steiner Rice

Then my tongue shall tell of thy righteousness and of thy praise all the day long.

Psalm 35:28

 

 

May JOY find your HEART and warm your SOUL.

MA

 

 

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Saturday, November 24, 2007

CHAPTER 11, PAGE 24

 

Hide me in the shadow of your wings.

Psalm 17:8

A farm really isn't a farm unless it's got some hens. The sight of a hen with her chicks is always special. Wherever she goes they will all follow her.

She constantly chuckles and at the sign of danger she will chuckle on a higher note. They will come running to her, disappear under her wings and be out of sight.

It is the image used in psalm 17, ‘hide me in the shadow of your wings.' It is a beautiful image and tells us much about God's love for us and about God's safety, intimacy, tenderness and warmth.

We all need such shelter and protection from all that life throws at us. We all need to hide from time to time. Doing it with God can bring many blessings

Thought For Today by Fr.James McSweeney

GOOD MORNING !

I am up early so that I can get our turkey in the oven for dinner today.  It has been very nice the past 2 days sleeping in a bit.

When I saw the thought for today above, I thought it was appropriate to put in today's entry.  As this mother hen will have some of her chicks return to the roost here today. 

One of our aol journalers always refers to herself as 'mother hen'. he,he.   Once a mom, always a mom for sure. 

We had a grand time yesterday and I hope you enjoy the pictures I put in today.  There should be more tomorrow of our Family Feast that we're having today.

Thankfully I still will have one more day off tomorrow to rest up a bit before returning to work.  It is only 27 degrees here this morning.  Wintertime temps for us here today.  Soon everything will be frozen solid outside and will stay that way for months to come.

 

 

BLESSING FOR THE DAY

GRAND'BABES'

 

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Are you bored with life?

Then throw yourself into some work

you believe in with all your heart,

live for it, die for it,

and you will find happiness

that you had thought

could never be yours.

Dale Carnegie

 

 

May JOY find your HEART and warm your SOUL.

MA

Friday, November 23, 2007

CHAPTER 11, PAGE 23

Go beyond merely counting your blessings.

Take them out, immerse yourself in their value, and bring them more fully to life each day.

What you're able to make use of most passionately and effectively will then come to you in even greater abundance.

The best way to be thankful for anything is to completely and purposefully put it to use.

Ralph Marston

GOOD MORNING !

I hope everyone had a great day yesterday. I had intended on staying at home all day, but did go out a bit. My next door sister and I went to visit our youngest sister and her family for awhile. She had some yummy desserts that we enjoyed for sure.

The whole month of November I've tried to follow the theme of blessings and being thankful for them. Next month I'm going to try and follow the theme of Gifts.  

I know that with the Christmas season I'll also find a multitude of other topics too, but the one of 'gifts' can cover a wide range all by itself.

Today 3 of my babes (DD, DS#5 and DS#6) and I are going to one of the little towns near by for a little old fashioned shopping and enjoy some good food too!

We always try to avoid any shopping malls or department stores, but try and go off the beaten track and see something different.

It is only 30 degrees here this morning and snow is predicted. I don't think we'll see much, but you never know....

BLESSING FOR THE DAY

 FAMILY

 

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Write it on your heart that every day is the best day in the year.

Ralph Waldo Emerson

 

May JOY find your HEART and warm your SOUL.

MA

 

 

Thursday, November 22, 2007

CHAPTER 11, PAGE 22

 

THE SMELL OF THANKSGIVING

Salty

Sour

Spicy

Sweet

Buttery

Roasty

Crispy

Toasty

Gingery

Sharp

Peppery

Tart

Candied

Sugary

Fresh

Mmmmmm Good!

 

GOOD MORNING

I'm keeping THANKSGIVING in my heart today. This year has been such a mixture of blessings that it's hard to count them all. There is lots to do today, but I'm taking it slow and easy.

I'll get some things done for our Family Feast on Saturday and rest up a whole bunch to be sure.

I do wish each and every one of you a very

Blessed Thanksgiving Day!

 

BLESSING FOR THE DAY

A 'time out' day just to be THANKFUL

 

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Bless our friends, Bless our food,

Come, O Lord and sit with us.

May our talk Glow with peace;

Come with your love to surround us.

Friendship and love

May they bloom and glow,

Bloom and glow forever.

Bless our friends,

Bless our food,

Bless all mankind forever.

 

May JOY find your HEART and warm your SOUL.

MA

 

 

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