For Tuesday, December 6th, 2011

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

DECEMBER 6th,  2011

It's TUESDAY!  

IT'S SAINT NICK'S DAY!

St. Nicholas Day is today. Yes, there really was a Saint Nicholas. He lived in the country of Greece, just a couple hundred years after the birth of Christ. This day is in honor of Saint Nicholas and his life.

Saint Nicholas became a priest, and later, a Bishop of the early Church.  He was well known for giving to needy people, especially children. There are may stories and tales of him helping out children in need.

The practice of hanging up stockings originated with Saint Nicholas. As the ancient legend goes, Saint Nicholas was known to throw small bags of gold coins into the open windows of poor homes. After one bag of gold fell into the stocking of a child, news got around. Children soon began hanging their stocking by their chimneys in hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there.

It wasn't until the 1800's that the spirit of St. Nicholas' life evolved into the creation of Santa Claus. And, this happened  in America. Santa Claus evolved from the stories and legends of St. Nicholas. Santa Claus was kind and generous to children. 

Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse; The stockings were hung by the chimney with care...

NEW IN THE KITCHEN

NATIONAL MICROWAVE OVEN DAY

Over 90% of American households have one. Probably 100% of American bachelors have one. The microwave oven speeds up the cooking process for many types of food or beverage.

Do you love eggs but are looking for a new way to prepare them? Try this easy recipe

COFFEE CUP SCRAMBLE

2 eggs

2 Tbsp. milk

2 Tbsp. shredded Cheddar cheese

Salt and pepper

Coat 12-oz. microwave-safe coffee mug with cooking spray. Add eggs and milk; beat until blended.

Microwave on hight 45 seconds; stir. MICROWAVE until eggs are almost set, 30 to 45 seconds longer.

Top with cheese; season with salt and pepper.

Makes 1 serving

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!

AROUND HOME

One word frees us of all the weight and pain of life: that word is love.

Sophocles

It is amazing how children can bring us happiness. That's what Christmas is really all about. We say that Christmas is for children. Untrue. A child opening with glee his or her new toy from Santa does not feel nearly the happiness Mom and Dad feel at that moment. Children bring us joy whether they are ours or someone else's

I remember the Christmases before I ever had children when we would spend hours visiting family and friends with children.  It just didn't feel right celebrating Christmas without them.

Now of course I have many children and grand children and there is never a holiday that doesn't go by that seems a little more special because of their presence.

They all are indeed God's gift to me.

COUNTING THE DAYS

People are like stained glass windows: they sparkle and shine when the sun is out, but when the darkness sets in their true beauty is revealed only if there is a light within. 

 Elizabeth Kubler-Ross

16 DAYS UNTIL WINTER

19 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

Keep looking ON THE BRIGHT SIDE of things.

 

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

Love,

ma