CHAPTER 12, PAGE 3

Life is a miracle

Don't let it slip away,

Open your heart to others

Give of yourself each day.

See the beauty in everyone

Regardless of where they've been,

Some have a difficult journey

And really need a friend.

Share your gifts and talents

Listen with your heart.

Do the things you dream about

But don't have time to start.

Pick a bouquet of flowers

Show someone that you care,

Be gracious and forgiving

Life is never fair.

Hold on to your courage

You may need it down the road,

We all have a cross to bear

It could be a heavy load.

If you practice all these things

No matter where you roam,

You may find both sun and rain

But you'll never feel alone!

Author Unknown

Probably the reason we all go so haywire at Christmas time with the endless unrestrained and often silly buying of gifts is that we don't quite know how to put our love into words.

Harlan Miller

GOOD MORNING!

It is back to work today and it will be another long week for me I’m sure. Today will be a busy one as it is payroll day, but the rest of the week will be much slower than I have been in a long while.

Jobs are slowing down for our company and that means my work load has too. Now begins the work I dread . Files need to be purged from the Archives to make room for this years' and then there is the updating of databases that are kept of the company records .

I‘ll try to do a little of both each day so the work won’t seem too boring. By the time the New Year makes it’s way here things should be all done and once more ready for more new files to come.

I’ve been at this job so long that things become mundane so I have to watch it that I don’t slip up. Sometimes something different does happen and throws me for a loop.

Weather wise we are expecting a few snow flurries (an inch to three accumulation) and temps in the lower 30’s most of the week. To be sure I’ve got my layers on to keep warm. (I did put some pictures in today of my shirts for this week)

BrrrrrChill !

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Many look for the perfect gift for Christmas and are looking for a perfect Christmas. There is no such thing as a perfect gift or a perfect Christmas. Advent keeps our feet firmly on the ground. It helps us to avoid the might be and puts us much more in touch with finding God in the here and now .

From the Thought For Today by Fr.James McSweeney

May the season's simple joys

Warm your heart...

Fill your home...

Last a lifetime

 

MA

 

 

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CHAPTER 12, PAGE 2

WARNING…WARNING: ADVENT VIRUS

Be on the alert for symptoms of inner HOPE, PEACE, JOY AND LOVE.

The hearts of a great many have already been exposed to this virus and it is possible that people everwhere could come down with it in epidemic proportions

This could pose a serious threat to what has, up to now, been a fairly stable conditions of conflict in the world. Some signs and symptoms of the ADVENT VIRUS

A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past expectations

An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment

A loss of interest in judging other people

A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others

A loss of interest in conflict

A loss of the ability to work (This is a very serious symptom)

Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation

Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature

Frequent attacks of SMILING

An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen

An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it.

Please send this warning out to all your friends. This virus can and has affected many systems. Some systems have been completely cleaned out because of it

 

Faith is different from proof; the latter is human, the former is a GIFT from God

 

GOOD MORNING!

Today we celebrate the first Sunday of Advent. Advent is a time in our church calendar year that is set aside to prepare for Christmas. My Advent wreath is on the table and I’ll be lighting a candle today and on each of the Sundays before Christmas.

You can find lots of things about Advent in one of my other journals – What’s New at My House. The link is in my sidebar of this journal

I’ll be off to church a little bit later. I do need my weekly dose of R&R you know. I hope you will find some way to bless your hearts and souls today. We do need to renew and refresh our selves for another busy week ahead.

As always I’ll be saying a little pray for all fo you. I do pray for the sick and needy, the poor and the hungry and for our ‘troops’ every day, but on Sunday I ask the good Lord to bless you all in a very special way. He does hear and answer every prayer.

I believe a pray is the most personal GIFT that we can offer to those we care about. Prayer is definitely all the GIFT that gives over and over again. It doesn’t have ribbons or bows; It costs us our time, and love that we share.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

The people who have achieved more than you,

In any area, are only half-steps ahead of you in time

Bless them and praise their GIFTS,

And bless and praise your own

The world would be less rich without their contriubutions,

And it would be less rich without yours,

There is more than room for everyone;

In fact there’s a need for everyone.

Marianna Williamson

May the seasons simple joys

Warm your heart…

Fill your home…

Last a lifetime

 

MA

 

 

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CHAPTER 12, PAGE 1

The Angel of December...is the angel of generosity.

The December angel celebrates with us this time of giving gifts to all the wild creatures and to all God's children.

The angel of December leads us to join hands with people of all races and religions, recognizing that we are children of the same creator, and we all share the responsibility of bring joy and health upon the earth.

Inspired by December's angel, we can celebrate this season of brotherhood by doing one act of kindness every day of December - going out of our way to bring warmth and light into another's life.

 

 

GOOD MORNING !

The wind chimes on my front porch have really been playing a happy tune lately. It's been very windy here the last few days. I love to listen to them tinkling in the wind. I guess old man winter is trying to fly into Northern Ohio.  We have a winter storm advisory for tonight.

 

As I promised I've got lots of quotes, poems and stories all lined up to share with you about GIFTS this whole month of December. It has been a great theme to research. There are all kinds of GIFTS. Gifts we give, gifts we receive, gifts for men, children, babies, brides, moms, fathers and gifts for birthdays, anniversaries and graduations and yes, there are Christmas GIFTS too !

I even found a blog called a 1000 Gifts where a wonderful lady decided to list her gifts.. My day will be filled with GIFTS for sure. Sorting and wrapping and wrapping and sorting and of course I'm makin' my list and checkin' it twice to see who's been NAUGHTY and who's been NICE.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Today Lord,

I want to thank you for the Unexpected!

Those gifts you gave to me in in odd shaped packages

in colors I didn't like and sizes I didn't want.

Those gifts I never would have chosen for myself,

that landed on my doorstep unwanted unasked for

and definitely in my blindness gifts

I thought I didn't need!

Those gifts that changed my life forever.

Those gifts that brought tears when I opened them

 like the death of a loved one or

a loss of something so precious to me.

Those gifts that opened a new meaning

to my relationship with you.

Those gifts that painful as they were caused me

 to grow and develop in ways

that only You knew I needed to do.

Yes, Lord today most sincerely

I thank you for taking hold of me and giving

always the best and most valuable of gifts!

Amen.

May the season's simple joys

Warm your heart...

Fill your home...

Last a lifetime

 

MA

 

 

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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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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

 

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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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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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