ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

For Wednesday, February 1st, 2012

2012-02-01T05:57:00.000-05:00

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

FEBRUARY 1ST, 2012

If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side

It's WEDNESDAY!

Welcome FEBRUARY

February birthstone: amethyst. February flower: violet or primrose.

February is American Heart Month, National Black History Month, Bake for Family Fun Month, Bird Feeding Month, Care About Your Indoor Air Month, Children's Dental Health Month, Grapefruit Month, Humpback Whale Awareness Month, Creative Romance Month, National Laugh Friendly Month, Library Lovers Month, Mend a Broken Heart Month, Pet Dental Health Month, Pull Your Sofa Off the Wall Month, Spunky Old Broads Month, Youth Leadership Month, Women's Heart Month, and in Illinois, it’s Return Shopping Carts to the Supermarket Month.Today is Robinson Crusoe Day, a day to be adventurous and self-reliant.

February, when the days of winter seem endless and no amount of wistful recollecting can bring back any air of summer.

Shirley Jackson

NEWS FROM HOME

Why, what's the matter,
That you have such a February face,
So full of frost, of storm and cloudiness?

William Shakespeare, Much Ado About Nothing

We are now one month closer to Spring than we were in January. Winter has a way of wearing us down if we let it and here at my house, I'm bound and determined I will win this battle.

The whole month of February I'm going to try and share a verse with you each day and a thought and you'll find that under the heading of SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT.

I'm thinking that just maybe they will be the very best way to fight against the wintertime blues.

Have a Wonderful Wednesday everyone!

PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS

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.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters

and Paramedics and EMT's

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

God’s Love Scriptures

John 3:16 For God so loved the world,that he gave his only Son,

that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

February, the month of love has finally arrived. February is National Heart Month and Valentine’s Day, my favorite holiday. I love hearts, the colors red and pink and everything about Valentine’s Day. The heart is my favorite part of the body. This is where we feel love. I am definitely a romantic at heart.

When you hear the word LOVE, what do you think about. It probably wasn't about the verse I have shared with you today. But for me all love ends and begins with God, so that is what I've chosen to make the month of February all about.

A verse every day and may a few thoughts of my own on LOVE too. And of course you can't have much love if you don't have a heart so there will also be some quotes and maybe a story or two about the heart.

You may not realize this, but being kind and showing love makes you feel good deep down on the inside. This can help you in more ways than you’ll ever know.

Ancient philosophers and contemporary scientists agree — and this comes as no surprise to anyone — that having strong, affectionate bonds with other people is a key to happiness. In fact, it may be the key to happiness.

There are in the end three things that last: faith, hope and love and the greatest of these is love. A wise thought indeed which offers each of us an immediate and beautiful plan to make Valentine’s Day and Every Day Matter

COUNTING THE DAYS

February is merely as long as is needed to pass the time until March.

Dr. J. R. Stockton

48 DAYS UNTIL SPRING

80 DAYS UNTIL CAMPING SEASON BEGINS

Keep looking ON THE BRIGHT SIDE of things.

A little smile, a word of cheer,
A bit of love from someone near…

Love,

For Tuesday, January 31st, 2012

2012-01-31T07:05:00.000-05:00

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

JANUARY 31ST, 2012

If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side

It's TUESDAY!

INSPIRE YOUR HEART WITH ART DAY

Inspire Your Heart With Art Day celebrates art and the effect it can have on your heart. Art is valued and appreciated for all sorts of reasons.

Look at a piece of art and ask yourself: What is is telling me? How does it make me feel? What emotions is it evoking within me?

A sense of love and romance is one of those feelings and emotions that a piece of artwork can awaken and inspire. If you are looking for something to do today then be prepared to get artsy. You can look at art or create your own if you like.

Let's get right into celebrating Inspire Your Heart with Art Day. To inspire or be inspired that is the question.

The artist's world is limitless. It can be found anywhere, far from where he lives or a few feet away. It is always on his doorstep.

Paul Strand

NEWS FROM HOME

Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.

Pablo Picasso

I remember the days my refrigerator was filled with art work the babes had done. Each and every one of them love to color pictures, paint and draw. Out of 7 of them, two have gone on to make a living by being artists. One a graphic designer and the other a teacher. I've also had many pictures given to me by my grandchildren. Makes me wonder how many of them will become artists as an adult.

I think we all have a touch of art in us. Being artistic can include a lot of things from decorating a Christmas tree to arranging flowers or even placing fruit in a bowl. It is all an art form of sorts. Making things pleasing to the eye is an art.

They say we could see 50 degrees or better today with some sunshine. And we'll also be gaining 16 more minutes of daylight this week.

That is a very good thing indeed!

Hope your Tuesday is a terrific one!

PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS

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.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters

and Paramedics and EMT's

GOD BLESS YOU!

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

It isn't the size of your house

That matters much at all.

It's a gentle hand and it's loving touch,

That makes you great or small

Te friends who come to visit,

Wen out of your house they depart

Will judge it not by the style you show,

But rather by the size of your heart.

It isn't how smart you are

Or the wealth you've found

Happiness comes from how you touch

The lives that are all around

Making money is not hard,

But living life well is an art.

How people love and regard you,

Is all in the size of your heart

Author Unknown

COUNTING THE DAYS

Art is Man's nature. Nature is God's art.

James Bailey

49 DAYS UNTIL SPRING

81 DAYS UNTIL CAMPING SEASON BEGINS

Keep looking ON THE BRIGHT SIDE of things.

A little smile, a word of cheer,
A bit of love from someone near…

Love,

For Monday, January 30th, 2012

2012-01-30T09:45:00.000-05:00

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

JANUARY 30TH, 2012

If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side

It's MONDAY!

Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day!

Pop. Pop. Pop. You didn't think we'd forgotten did you? To day is one of our favorite days of the year… bubble wrap appreciation day.

For the past 10 years, fans from around the country have been setting aside time on the last Monday in January to twist and stomp

The day, known as BWAD, was begun in 2001 by a couple of bored radio DJs in Bloomington, Ind., supposedly looking to fill the news void between Martin Luther King Day and the Super Bowl. During that first BWAD, the radio station held a Bubblympiad that included events such as a Bubble Wrap popping relay

Throughout the years, fans have paid homage to Bubble Wrap in unique ways. There are homemade Bubble Wrap football helmets, handbags and dresses. One woman even got married in a Bubble Wrap wedding gown.

Festivities on BWAD, though, center on a singular activity: popping.

Get ready to pop! It's Bubble Wrap Appreciation Day!

The rules of the bubble game are really simple, you need to blast as many bubbles as possible, the more you pop, the higher your score is

NEWS FROM HOME

I'm forever blowing bubbles, Pretty bubbles in the air...

Popping those bubbles is almost as much fun as blowing bubbles. I think both are great stress relievers. Kids and adults alike enjoy them!

Stress less and enjoy life more! This is one thing that can bring hours of enjoyment to the little ones and provide fun for the adults too

Having fun is a natural stress reliever. When every you have fun, you are right in the present moment enjoying the here and now.

You don't worry, there is no tension or anxiety and you feel lighter.

Enjoy some bubbles today! Have a great Monday!

PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS

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.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters

and Paramedics and EMT's

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

Did someone burst your bubble?

You embark on something that makes your heart sing and you feel gloriously happy. It might be very different from your usual endeavors or something that most people don’t do. So you’re feeling good and share it with a friend, who quickly says, What’s wrong with you for doing that? or puts you down in some way. Here you were in a bubble of happiness and the person sticks a pin into it.

It's really hard not to let other people upset us. Isn't it? Wouldn't it be nice if everyone's words were spoken in kindness? People can, will and do take away our peace and joy of the Lord. Others can only take away your JOY if you let them!!!
It isn't easy to change the way you react to people but it can be done. It's not the action that's the problem it's our reaction to the action that's the problem.

Love yourself enough to protect your joy!

COUNTING THE DAYS

Love puts the fun in together, the sad in apart, and the joy in a heart.

Author Unknown

50 DAYS UNTIL SPRING

82 DAYS UNTIL CAMPING SEASON BEGINS

Keep looking ON THE BRIGHT SIDE of things.

A little smile, a word of cheer,
A bit of love from someone near…

Love,

For Sunday, January 29th, 2012

2012-01-29T05:41:00.000-05:00

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

JANUARY 29TH, 2012

If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side

It's SUNDAY!

And HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR STAR TODAY!

May the dear Lord bless you today and always!

I'm sending best wishes for a very happy birthday your way!

I miss you and love you very much!

I hope when you count the stars you begin with yourself,

and may you embrace the moonlight with your dreams.

Dodinsky

NEWS FROM HOME

I'm away for the weekend and won't be celebrating with this handsome grandson today, His smile is just beautiful, isn't it?

Snow is in our forecast so I'm saying a little prayer today for all the travelers as we return home from a wonderful weekend. My thanks to DS#1 and his wife for having us all and for our Princess and our Prince Charming for giving up their beds to company too.

Thanks too to DD and her hubby for giving me a ride. A trip like this is something I don't do by myself any longer. I try to limit my trips to an hour or less. Driving for me is not the joy it once was at all.

Take good care everyone and have a wonderful Sunday!

PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS

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.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters

and Paramedics and EMT's

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

Remember that ideals

are like stars up in the sky,

You can never really reach them,

hanging in the heavens high...

But like the mighty mariner

who sailed the storm tossed sea,

And used the stars to chart his course

with skill and certainty

You too can chart your course in life

with high ideals and love,

For high ideals are like the starts

that light the sky above...

You cannot ever reach them,

but lift your heart up high

And your life will be as shining

as the stars up in the sky

Helen Steiner Rice

COUNTING THE DAYS

Shoot for the moon. Even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.

Les Brown

51 DAYS UNTIL SPRING

83 DAYS UNTIL CAMPING SEASON BEGINS

Keep looking ON THE BRIGHT SIDE of things.

A little smile, a word of cheer,
A bit of love from someone near…

Love,

For Saturday, January 28th, 2012

2012-01-28T05:22:00.000-05:00

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

JANUARY 28TH, 2012

If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side

It's SATURDAY!

I learned that the last Saturday in January is known as National Seed Swap Day. The event started in 2006 in the Washington, D.C. area, but has quickly spread across the country to become a national event.

National Seed Swap Day empowers gardeners all over America to share their resources with other gardeners. It reduces the need to buy expensive seeds from commercial suppliers. Instead, gardeners share seeds from open-pollinated plants, allowing people to grow varieties that are suited to local conditions.

Several communities hold their own seed swap on this day. It’s an opportunity to meet up with other seed enthusiasts and swap seeds. Gardeners learn from each other – the networking aspect of this event is invaluable

Celebrate this holiday by organizing a seed swap with gardeners you know. Ask your friends and neighbors to swap seeds with you. The advantage of swapping seeds locally is that you know they are likely to grow in your climate and they won't harm your local ecosystem

If you don't have any seeds to swap it's a great day to lovingly browse seed catalogs or websites.

One of the healthiest ways to gamble is with a spade and a package of garden seeds.

Dan Bennett

NEWS FROM HOME

Don't judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant.

Robert Louis Stevenson

Just like life, gardening is takes planning and readiness all year long. Although many are longing for Spring right now, you won't see any preparing their gardens for a long long while.

The ground is still frozen. But it is wonderful to plan.

Now that I'm retired I don't do much but sit back and enjoy the fruits of my labors. You do reap what you sow.

Today I'll be joining many members of my family in the Stroll for Epilepsy. Don't worry, we'll be inside as the stroll that we do to show our support and love for my Sweetheart is done inside a Mall. So we'll be keeping warm. I'm always amazed at all the people that turn out for it and how many wonderful volunteers they have.

Hope you all have a great Saturday!

PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS

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.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters

and Paramedics and EMT's

GOD BLESS YOU!

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

Planting Time

Plant three rows of Peas:

Peace of mind

Peace of heart

Peace of soul.

Plant four rows of Squash

Squash gossip

Squash indifference

Squash grumbling

Squash selfishness

No garden should be with Turnips

Turnip for service when needed

Turnip to help one another

Turnip the music and dance

Plant four rows of Lettuce

Lettuce be faithful

Lettuce be kind

Lettuce be happy

Lettuce really love one another

To conclude our garden we must have Thyme

Thyme for fun

Thyme for rest

Thyme for others

Thyme for ourselves

Water freely with patience and cultivate with love

We reap what we sow--you should have a bountiful garden

Author Unknown

COUNTING THE DAYS

A day is Eternity's seed, and we are its Gardeners.

Erika Harris

52 DAYS UNTIL SPRING

84 DAYS UNTIL CAMPING SEASON BEGINS

Keep looking ON THE BRIGHT SIDE of things.

A little smile, a word of cheer,
A bit of love from someone near…

Love,

For Friday, January 27th, 2012

2012-01-27T06:21:00.000-05:00

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

JANUARY 27TH, 2012

If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side

It's FRIDAY!

FUN AT WORK DAY

Fun at Work Day is always celebrated on the last Friday of January. It's a day to have fun at work for once. Ideally, work should be fun. But normally, work is not intended to have fun. It's intended to get work done. You're a very lucky person, if you if you can get work done and have fun doing it. The lucky souls in this situation, love their job.

Unfortunately, all of us are not lucky enough to have a job that's fun to do. If that's you, then today is a day just for you! Think of ways to make your job more fun and exciting. Look to do some fun things at work today, even if it takes away from production just a wee bit.

There are lots of ideas for having fun at work. You could wear a funny shirt, brighten up your desk with a funny poster, or simply go out and have a great lunch. Here at my house work is always fun because I do love doing what I do!

Today is a perfect excuse to lighten the mood and enjoy the daily grind. Yes, you heard me right. Let's ENJOY work today. Remember it doesn't have to be a one time thing. Make everyday enjoyable, no matter what's going on. A small shift in perspective can have an enormous impact.

If you choose a job that you like you will never have to work a day in your life.

Confucius

NEWS FROM HOME

Nothing is particularly hard if you divide it into small jobs.

Henry Ford

I have to say that sometimes those big jobs can overwhelm us, so for me doing a little at a time is the best way.

Even when I worked and my desk was stacked high with work to do, I'd sort it out and put aside those things that could wait and after prioritizing what to do first. I'd clear away the other stuff and do one small job at a time.

It's Friday and today many will be clearing off their desks and heading home for a nice weekend. Here at my house I've packed my bag and will be heading out to DS#1's house. This weekend is the Stroll for Epilepsy and I am going there to join them in what has become an annual tradition.

I hope you all have a great Friday and a joy filled weekend!

PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS

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.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters

and Paramedics and EMT's

GOD BLESS YOU!

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

BRIGHTEN YOUR CORNER

We cannot all be famous

or listed in Who's Who,

But every person, great or small

has important work to do.

For seldom do we realize

the importance of small deeds

Or to what degree of greatness

unnoticed kindness leads

For it's not the big celebrity

in a world of fame and praise,

But it's doing unpretentiously

in an undistinguished way

The work that God assigned to us

unimportant as it seems

That makes our task outstanding

and brings reality to dreams

So do not sit and idly wish

for wider, new dimensions

where you can put into practice

your many good intentions

But at the spot God placed you

begin at once to do

Little things to brighten up

the lives surrounding you

If everybody brightened up

the spot where they're standing

By being more considerate,

and a little less demanding

This dark old world would very soon

eclipse the evening star

If every body brightened up

the corner where they are

Author Unknown

COUNTING THE DAYS

Let us realize that:
the privilege to work is a gift,
the power to work is a blessing,
the love of work is success!

David O. McKay

53 DAYS UNTIL SPRING

85 DAYS UNTIL CAMPING SEASON BEGINS

Keep looking ON THE BRIGHT SIDE of things.

A little smile, a word of cheer,
A bit of love from someone near…

Love,

For Thursday, January 26th, 2012

2012-01-26T07:44:00.000-05:00

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

JANUARY 26TH, 2012

If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side

It's THURSDAY!

TOAD HOLLOW DAY OF ENCOURAGEMENT

Toad Hollow Day of Encouragement is a little-known holiday celebrated each year on January 26. Originally established as a day to connect with others through the heart, it stresses the importance of sharing a kind word with fellow man. Although the name conjures thoughts of childhood storybooks and amusement park rides, Toad Hollow Day of Encouragement is actually rooted in an 1800s-era school house located in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

The idea for the Toad Hollow Day of Encouragement grew out of their passion for helping others, ultimately becoming a way to motivate people to share what is in their hearts every day
.
Today share kind words with those around you

When you come to the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.

Franklin D. Roosevelt

NEWS FROM HOME

This too shall pass...

One thing I've come to realized as the years have passed that things do have a way of changing. Sometimes we seem to be stuck in an unending circle but life doesn't ever stay the same, it keeps changing. Changes can also come when we least expect them. I guess that is why they say to tie a knot in your rope and hang on...

It is encouraging to note that there truly is a season and a time for everything in life.

This too shall pass.

PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS

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.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters

and Paramedics and EMT's

GOD BLESS YOU!

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

One Thing to Never Forget

Your presence, is a present to the world.

You're unique and one of a kind

Your life can be, what you want it to be

Take the days, just one at a time.

Count your blessings, not your troubles

You'll make it through, what ever comes along

Within you are so many answers

Understand, have courage, be strong

Don't put limits on yourself.

So many dreams are waiting to be realized.

Decisions are too important to leave to chance

Reach for you peak, your goal and your prize

Nothing wastes more energy than worrying

The longer one carries a problem, the heavier it gets

Don't take things too seriously

Live a life of serenity, not a life of regrets

Remember that a little love goes a long way

Remember that a lot of love goes forever

Remember that friendship is a wise investment

Life treasures are people...together

Realize that it's never too late

Do ordinary things, in an extraordinary way

Have health, hope and happiness

Take the time to wish upon a star

And don't ever forget...

For even a day....

How very special you are

COUNTING THE DAYS

When life gives you a hundred reasons to cry,

show life that you have a thousand reasons to smile.

Author Unknown

54 DAYS UNTIL SPRING

86 DAYS UNTIL CAMPING SEASON BEGINS

Keep looking ON THE BRIGHT SIDE of things.

A little smile, a word of cheer,
A bit of love from someone near…

Love,

For Wednesday, January 25th, 2012

2012-01-25T08:13:00.000-05:00

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

JANUARY 25TH, 2012

If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side

It's WEDNESDAY!

OPPOSITE DAY

Opposite Day is a topsy, turvy day when everything you say, do, see, and hear are the opposite. If you say go left, you mean go right. If you say look up, it means look down. If you see your left foot...is it really your right?

Yes, Opposite Day can be a whole lot of fun. It can also be very, very confusing. This special day is usually celebrated primarily among school children. I don't have to try to celebrate this date by doing things the opposite way round. Even when I try to do everything straight forward as I would on an ordinary day, things still tend to turn out the opposite way I'd have liked them too.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY: Opposites attract

NEWS FROM HOME

Life, who can figure it out...well, no one

Have you ever been 100% certain that a situation really was exactly what you thought it was; only to find out later you were completely wrong? The truth is things aren’t always what they appear to be. Often when you’re totally convinced that a certain thing is true, you end up finding out it’s not true at all.

Things Aren’t Always What They Appear To Be. Appearances can be deceiving and I've found that very often things are truly not what they appear to be. Very often what I've thought, becomes just the opposite. It's always easy to say we don't like how something looks or the way some do things. I've done it myself many times, but have found out later on that it was the best thing that could have been done.

Trying not to judge others or things that are done is not an easy thing at all. Most of the time I regret what I've thought and said, and would have been better off saying nothing. This is one of those lessons in life that I keep learning over and over again.

I hope today won't turn out the opposite way you'd like it to. Have a wonderful Wednesday everyone!

PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS

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.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters

and Paramedics and EMT's

GOD BLESS YOU!

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

Things Aren't Aways What They Seem

Two traveling angels stopped to spend the night in the home of a wealthy family. The family was rude and refused to let the angels stay in the mansion's guest room. Instead, the angels were given a small space in the cold basement. As they made their bed on the hard floor, the older angel saw a hole in the wall and repaired it.

When the younger angel asked why, the older angel replied, Things aren't always what they seem.

The next night, the pair came to rest at the house of a very poor but very hospitable farmer and his wife. After sharing what little food they had, the couple let the angels sleep in their bed where they could have a good night's rest.

When the sun came up the next morning, the angels found the farmer and his wife in tears. Their only cow, whose milk had been their sole income, lay dead in the field. The younger angel was infuriated and asked the older angel how could you have let this happen? The first man had everything, yet you helped him, she accused. The second family had little but was willing to share everything, and you let the cow die.

Things aren't always what they seem, the older angel replied.

When we stayed in the basement of the mansion, I noticed there was gold stored in that hole in the wall. Since the owner was so obsessed with greed and unwilling to share his good fortune, I sealed the wall so he wouldn't find it.

Then last night as we slept in the farmers bed, the angel of death came for his wife. I gave him the cow instead.

Things aren't always what they seem.

Sometimes that is exactly what happens when things don't turn out the way they should. If you have faith, you just need to trust that every outcome is always to your advantage. You might not know it until some time later...

COUNTING THE DAYS

Things aren't what they always seem.

Stay positive and always remember:

Don't judge a book by it's cover

55 DAYS UNTIL SPRING

87 DAYS UNTIL CAMPING SEASON BEGINS

Keep looking ON THE BRIGHT SIDE of things.

A little smile, a word of cheer,
A bit of love from someone near…

Love,

For Tuesday, January 24th, 2012

2012-01-24T07:50:00.000-05:00

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

JANUARY 24TH, 2012

If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side

It's TUESDAY!

COMPLIMENT DAY

Yes, its Compliment Day. Today is a great opportunity to say something positive about the people you come into contact with. Everyone has good attributes. ...that's right.... everyone.

Its a cinch to find compliments for family and loved ones, even for your Mother-in-Law. Compliment Day is celebrated by offering sincere compliments to people you know. It is important that you are sincere. People will see right through insincerity, and you will do more harm than good.

Remember: Mama said, If you don't have anything nice to say, don't say anything. After a long search for something good, if you just can't find a compliment for them, then silence is golden.

Everyone, every thing, matters

NEWS FROM HOME

NO NEWS IS GOOD NEWS...

That is one of my favorite sayings for sure. I use it often when I'm wondering just how someone is doing. I think that surely if I'm not hearing from them, everything must be ok. But maybe that isn't always the case?

The news here today is pretty good and I'm happy this morning.

We made it through Monday so the week ahead should be a cinch!

There is a priceless gift in every compliment you give someone and it only costs the time it takes to observe and care. For me, the fastest way to make myself happy is to make others happy.

PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS

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.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters

and Paramedics and EMT's

GOD BLESS YOU!

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

Here is a Daily Survival Kit, with special contents for the New Year

Toothpick..to remind you to pick the good qualities in everyone, including yourself

Rubber band...to remind you to be flexible. Things might not always go the way you want, but it can be worked out.

Band-Aid...to remind you to heal hurt feelings, either yours or someone else's

Eraser...to remind you that everyone makes mistakes. That's okay, we learn by our errors.

Candy Kiss...to remind you everyone needs a hug or a compliment every day.

Mint...to remind you that you are worth a mint to your family

Bubble Gum...to remind you to stick with it and you can accomplish anything.

Pencil...to remind you to list your blessings every day

Tea Bag...to remind you to take time to relax daily and go over that list of God's blessings

This is what makes life worth living every minute, every day

Wishing you 365 days of love, gratitude, friends to cherish, caring, sharing, laughter, music,

warm feelings in your heart and soaring with the angels.

Author Unknown

COUNTING THE DAYS

God was just showing off when he created you.

: )

From the movie Keeping the Faith

56 DAYS UNTIL SPRING

88 DAYS UNTIL CAMPING SEASON BEGINS

Keep looking ON THE BRIGHT SIDE of things.

A little smile, a word of cheer,

A bit of love from someone near…

Love,

For Monday, January 23rd, 2012

2012-01-23T08:24:00.000-05:00

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

JANUARY 23rd, 2012

If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side

It's MONDAY!

NATIONAL HANDWRITING DAY

There is a day for everything and January 23rd is the day to recognize the good ol’ handwriting. January 23rd. commemorates the birthday John Hancock who was born in 1737 and he was the first person to sign the United States Declaration of Independence.

Sad to say that many of us have pretty bad handwriting. After all, what do we need good handwriting for when we use computers? You actually use it a lot. The pen industry is still going strong.

National Handwriting Day is an opportunity to reintroduce yourself to a pen or pencil and a piece of paper. Participate in National Handwriting Day by writing a note or letter to someone. Love letters are cool. Notes to people who are ill or incapacitated will be well received

Have fun on this day and get reacquainted with the old friends: pen and paper

The act of putting pen to paper encourages pause for thought, this in turn makes us think more deeply about life, which helps us regain our equilibrium.

Norbet Platt

NEWS FROM HOME

I remember how wonderful it would be to receive a letter in the mail. Packed away in my treasures somewhere there are many letters that I've saved. I have some from my grandmother and I have many from my DDH. I have some with congratulations on the birth of one or the other of my children. I'll probably never get rid of them. They represent warm loving thoughts and words from dear ones in years gone by.

Now, I watch for an e-mail or even a text message from those I care about. How times do change. They are no less treasured but keeping them for a long time is not quite as easy. I can store them in my computer but sadly computers have a way of breaking down and so I have lost many of them.

I put this newsletter on a blog every day and in someway hope that will preserve what I write about, but who knows how long that will last either.

Just my thoughts for a Monday...Have a great week everyone!

Write: write letters. Keep journals. Besides your children, there is no surer way of achieving immortality

Ken Burns

PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS

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.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters

and Paramedics and EMT's

GOD BLESS YOU!

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

Kids Letters to God

In Sunday School they told us what you do. Who does it when you are on vacation? Jane

How did you know you were God? Charlene

Dear God, I read the Bible. What does begat mean? Nobody will tell me. Love Allison

Dear God, On halloween I am going to wear a devil's costume, Is that all right with you? Marnie

Dear God, Are you really invisible or is that just a trick? Lucy

Dear God, Is it true my father won't get in heaven if he uses his bowling words in the house? Anita

Dear God, Did you mean for the giraffe to look like that or was it an accident? Norma

Dear God, Who draws the lines around the countries? Nan

Dear God, I went to this wedding and they kissed right in church. Is that OK?

Neil

God, it's OK that you made different religions, but don't you get mixed up sometimes? Arnold

Dear God, My grandpa says you were around when he was a little boy. How far back to you go? Love, Dennis

Dear God, I keep waiting for spring but it never come yet. Don't forget.

Mark

Original Sources Unknown

COUNTING THE DAYS

When you are describing,
A shape, or sound, or tint;
Don't state the matter plainly,
But put it in a hint;
And learn to look at all things,
With a sort of mental squint.

Charles Lutwidge Dodgson (Lewis Carroll)

57 DAYS UNTIL SPRING

89 DAYS UNTIL CAMPING SEASON BEGINS

Keep looking ON THE BRIGHT SIDE of things.

A little smile, a word of cheer,
A bit of love from someone near…

Love,

For Sunday, January 22nd, 2012

2012-01-22T05:56:00.000-05:00

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

JANUARY 22nd, 2012

If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side

It's SUNDAY!

CELEBRATION OF LIFE DAY

January 22 is Celebration of Life Day. It is a time to honor our children and grandchildren in America. Each child and each life is to be held as a precious gift and should be treated with the highest respect and dignity.

Not only is there a Celebration of Life Day in January, but the first Week in January is designated as Celebration of Life Week, with the entire month being called Celebration of Life Month.

If you haven't been appreciating your life the way you think you should be, today is a great chance to start. It can encourage you to keep up the process for the rest of the year and beyond. When you express gratitude for your life on a daily basis, it can make you happier in every area from work to personal relationships. From thanking those who raised you to making a plan for your life, there are a variety of ways to partake in Celebration of Life.

Celebrate your life by doing something you've always wanted to do. Chances are there's a whole slew of items you want to do at some point in your life, so put pen to paper and make your bucket list. Write down everything you want to do, and if possible, start making plans to get some of the things done.

Make a goal to celebrate life in some way, however small, every day.

Life loves to be taken by the lapel and told: I am with you kid. Let's go.

Maya Angelou

NEWS FROM HOME

Unlike last week when I stayed home due to inclement weather, today should be a great day and I will be going off to church as usual. I should have some company though, and that will be a great thing.

We've really got to enjoy and celebrate with our families when we can. DD and her hubby and DS#5 and his family were over for dinner and birthday cake for DS#6 yesterday. He and his family made it in here mid morning, then we went into the art museum for a very pleasant day then home for dinner after that. The snow had stopped and the roads were all clear. It really turned out to be a nice day.

Life is what we make it, always has been, always will be.

Grandma Moses

PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS

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.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters

and Paramedics and EMT's

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

The Train of Life

Some folks ride the train of life

looking out the rear,

Watching miles of life roll by,

And marking every year.

They sit in sad remembrance,

Of wasted days gone by,

And curse their life for what it was,

And hang their head and cry.

But I don't concern myself wit that,

I took a different vent,

I look forward to what life holds,

And not what has been spent.

So strap me to the engine,

As securely as I can be.

I want to be out on the front,

To see what I can see.

I want to see what life enfolds,

As I move from place to place.

I want to see what's coming up

Not looking at the past.

Life's too short for yesterdays,

It moves along too fast.

So if the ride gets bumpy,

While you are looking back,

Go up front, and you may find

Your life has jumped the track.

It's all right to remember,

That's part of history,

But up front's where it's happening.

There's so much mystery.

The enjoyment of living,

It's looking ever forward,

To another year and ten.

It's searching all the byways,

Never should you refrain.

For if you want to live your life

You've goot drive the train.

Author Unknown

COUNTING THE DAYS

Life is like a blanket too short. You pull it up and your toes rebel, you yank it down and shivers meander about your shoulder; but cheerful folks manage to draw their knees up and pass a very comfortable night.

Marion Howard

58 DAYS UNTIL SPRING

90 DAYS UNTIL CAMPING SEASON BEGINS

Keep looking ON THE BRIGHT SIDE of things.

A little smile, a word of cheer,
A bit of love from someone near…

Love,

For Saturday, January 21st, 2012

2012-01-21T05:39:00.000-05:00

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

JANUARY 21ST, 2012

If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side

It's SATURDAY!

National Hugging Day

What a great day! This is an opportunity to give and to receive. Give a hug, and you automatically receive one in return.

The date of January 21 was chosen because it marks a midpoint between Christmas and Valentines day where people are figured to be at their emotional low.

Hugs are loving. Hugs are therapeutic. Hugs are caring. Hugs are celebratory. Hugs make you feel good inside. Have you ever received a hug from someone who didn't care? I didn't think so. That's proof positive that you're loved and cared about.

Studies have shown that human contact has many health benefits. It's been found that human contact, such as a hug, is essential for healthy social, psychological and physical development

Hugging can also help build a good immune system and decrease the risk of heart disease, Celebrate today by giving hugs to family, friends and loved ones. You'll love the warm feeling you get.

Whether you hug a family member or a stranger, the mental and physical health benefits are the same.

You can't wrap love in a box, but you can wrap a person in a hug.

Author Unknown

NEWS FROM HOME

This weekend is a little different in that I actually hope to have someone around here to give a real hug to. I'm very good at sending hugs in an e-mail, but today DS#6 and family are supposed to be coming in. We had snow advisories going on last night so they decided to wait till today to come.

We are celebrating his birthday. I've baked a cake and will be making what he wants for dinner too. Thankfully the weather is nicer for traveling and they should be ok with traveling to and from.

DS#5 has to make a trip for his work today so he won't be joining in the celebration, but hopefully some of the others that live close by will join us for dinner too. As always I am praying for those that need to travel. It seems that drivers on the roads maybe need to do more hugging too....being a courteous driver would I'm sure improve highway safety for sure.

Sending you all HUGS from me to you!

Take good care all!

There's something in a simple hug
That always warms the heart,
It welcomes us back home
And makes it easier to part....

Johnny Ray Ryder, Jr

PRAYER FOR OUR TROOPS

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.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters

and Paramedics and EMT's

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

SOMETHING TO THINK ABOUT

You gave me words of kindness

tied with a ribbon of gold

hearing them was important

to heal my heart and soul

Life can be a challenge

sometimes it seems unfair

but when I was tired and struggling

it helped that you were there

What can I give you in return

your friendship is so dear

please know if you ever need me

I will always be here

Kind words and time are needed

by people everywhere,

when wrapped with a smile or hug

there're a gift that says I CARE.

Author Unknown

COUNTING THE DAYS

A hug delights and warms and charms,
that must be why God gave us arms.

Author Unknown

59 DAYS UNTIL SPRING

91 DAYS UNTIL CAMPING SEASON BEGINS

Keep looking ON THE BRIGHT SIDE of things.

A little smile, a word of cheer,
A bit of love from someone near…

Love,