For Monday, December 2nd, 2013

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

MONDAY, DECEMBER 2ND, 2013

19 DAYS UNTIL WINTER

23 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

Sunrise:7:37 am

Sunset:4:59 pm

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

Matthew 1:18 

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about: His mother Mary was pledged to be married to Joseph, but before they came together, she was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Behold, the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,
Joseph, son of David,
do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.
For it is through the Holy Spirit
that this child has been conceived in her.
She will bear a son and you will name him Jesus,
because he will save his people from their sins

Today’s pictures are of our visit to Christmas in the Colonies.  We had a great day.  It was cold out but not so bad as to stop us from taking a few pictures outside as we made our way from place to place.  The craft show, lunch downtown and the candle factory.  I’ll try to share more pictures of the day a little later on this week.

As we start off a new week here, I’m very thankful I had the opportunity to have spent  such a fun day with part of my family.  Now we will be getting down to the fun tasks of getting ready for Christmas.

This is an ideal time of the year to be more patient with our loved ones, those we work with, and the general public.  It’s a great way to get into the holiday spirit.  Advent isn’t about rushing around and getting stressed out.  It’s about waiting with hopeful anticipation and cheerful expectation.  

I hope hope you are all counting down the days until Christmas and have a Happy Monday!

Luke 1:46-55 

And Mary said:

My soul glorifies the Lord
          and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
     for he has been mindful
          of the humble state of his servant.
     From now on all generations will call me blessed,
        for the Mighty One has done great things for me—holy is his name.
     His mercy extends to those who fear him,
          from generation to generation.
     He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
          he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
     He has brought down rulers from their thrones
          but has lifted up the humble.
     He has filled the hungry with good things
          but has sent the rich away empty.
     He has helped his servant Israel,
          remembering to be merciful
     to Abraham and his descendants forever,
          even as he said to our fathers.

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Remember
This December,
That love weighs more than gold!

Josephine Dodge Daskam Bacon

I have counted at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for this past year and have now reached my 1000 gifts.  I'm not stopping, but will continue on counting.  There is always, always something to be thankful for.

1184. for Advent candles and calendars, two traditions that help us remember the importance of Christmas

1185. for a quiet start to the morning, sipping my coffee and  looking at the lights of my little kitchen Christmas tree

1186. for the time I set aside, focusing on preparing my heart to celebrate Christmas.

Enter into His courts with thanksgiving — and in His presence is fullness of Joy!

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 !

Perhaps the best Yuletide decoration is being wreathed in smiles.  

Author Unknown

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma

 You're blessed when you're content with just who you are—no more, no less. That's the moment you find yourselves proud owners of everything that can't be bought

Matthew 5:5 (MSG)