For Friday, December 14th, 2012

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

DECEMBER 14TH,  2012

7 DAYS UNTIL WINTER
11 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS !

It's  FRIDAY

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.

The kingfisher was known as the Halcyon, the colorful bird chose the period of the winter solstice to build its nest on the water. During the two weeks surrounding the solstice, the sea was always a calm and inviting location for the Halcyon to build its nest.

Over the years the term "Halcyon Days" has come to denote a time of comfort, peace and prosperity.

Peace on earth will come to stay,
When we live Christmas every day.

Helen Steiner Rice

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

There's more, much more, to Christmas
Than candlelight and cheer;
It's the spirit of sweet friendship
That brightens all year.
It's thoughtfulness and kindness,
It's hope reborn again,
For peace, for understanding,
And for goodwill to men!

Unknown

The days here at home have been pretty quiet.  It's hard to believe that there is now just one week from tomorrow and our family Christmas celebration will be here.  All the days of preparation are just about over now.  Truthfully I'm happy that after next Saturday, I can just sit back and relax and enjoy Christmas.

We have enjoyed some pretty sunny days here.  It may get down in the 20's at night but we've warmed up into the 40's during the day.  The weekend forecast is for a chance of rain, but come midweek we have a chance for some snow.  I am definitely enjoying these mild winter days.

It's beyond time that I got some of my out of town family's gifts in the mail and hoping they make it there in time for Christmas.  I've had to wait on something I ordered for gifts for all and that has delayed my mailing.  

I haven't even heard if they got my St. Nick's gifts or not...hopefully the mail got them there on time.

Hope you all have a fantastic Friday!

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Unless we make Christmas an occasion to share our blessings, all the snow in Alaska won't make it white.

Bing Crosby

I am trying to count at least 3 things I'm thankful for each day and then in 1 year's time I'll have counted 1000 gifts.

58. peace filled day to finish up my gift wrapping

59. calm weather, no storms

60. white fluffy clouds in a blue sky

Three gifts striped

61. candy canes

62.  warm neck scarf

63. Christmas socks

Reflect upon your present blessings, of which every man has plenty; not on your past misfortunes of which all men have some.

Charles Dickens

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 !

 

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

 

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

Love,

ma