For Thursday, January 2nd, 2014

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

THURSDAY, JANUARY 2ND, 2014

77 DAYS UNTIL SPRING!

170 DAYS UNTIL SUMMER!!!

Sunrise:7:55 am

Sunset: 5:11 pm

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

Did you know that January is the Celebration of Life Month?  All the other months of the year celebrate an aspect of life; this one celebrates life itself.  Amid all the commotion of our everyday existence, we have an unfortunate tendency to forget we’re alive.  In the forgetting, we risk allowing life to pass us by without ever really noticing.

So let Celebration Of Life Month be the start of a determined effort to make the most of everything that comes your way, whether it’s savoring a hug from a loved one, or merely appreciating the sunshine. 

 I Am The New Year
Author Unknown

Life, I am the new year.
I am an unspoiled page in your book of time.
I am your next chance at the art of living.

I am your opportunity to practice
what you have learned about life
during the last twelve months.

All that you sought
and didn't find is hidden in me,
waiting for you to search it out
with more determination.

All the good that you tried for
and didn't achieve
is mine to grant
when you have fewer conflicting desires.

All that you dreamed but didn't dare to do,
all that you hoped but did not will,
all the faith that you claimed but did not have -
these slumber lightly,
waiting to be awakened
by the touch of a strong purpose.

I am your opportunity
to renew your allegiance to Him who said,
'behold, I make all things new.'

I am the new year.

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

The adventure of life is to learn. The purpose of life is to grow. The nature of life is to change. The challenge of life is to overcome. The essence of life is to care. The opportunity of life is to serve. The secret of life is to dare. The spice of life is to befriend. The beauty of life is to give. The joy of life is to love.

William Arthur Ward

This past year I wanted to have 69 adventures to celebrate the 69 years I’d been alive.  I came pretty close.  I may have even exceeded the 69.  I’m not sure, as some way along the way life just took over and I forgot to count.  I do know that my life is full of beauty, spice and joy!

After a few warmer days over the past weekend, it has really turned much colder here this week.  We’ve had a lot of snow and may get more, but pretty much it is a typical winter here.  One of my resolutions for the new year is to give the house a general all over good cleaning and another is to relocate my craft room from the attic to the basement.  All will take a good bit of time.  Thankfully we have plenty of indoor days ahead.  I want to have it done before Spring comes because then I’ll want to be outside.  

I hope you all have a great day.  Happy Thursday!

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Count your blessings.
Once you realize how valuable you are
and how much you have going for you,
the smiles will return, the sun will break out,
the music will play, and you will finally be able to move forward
with the life that God intended for you

with grace, strength, courage, and confidence.

Og Mandino

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.

1277. for my life such as it is, it is a gift 

1278. for adventures

1279. for JOY

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 ALL!

 I have found that if you love life,
life will love you back.

Arthur Rubinstein

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma