For New Year's Eve, Wednesday, December 31st, 2014

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 31ST, 2014

79 DAYS UNTIL SPRING 

Sunrise: 7:54 am

Sunset:  5:08 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

HAPPY NEW YEAR'S EVE  !

Make Up Your Mind Day is celebrated on December 31st. All during the year, you've put on hold, many issues and decisions. Eventually, they need to be resolved and decided upon. Well, today is the day. It's not a day to procrastinate. It's not a day to put off making a decision. If you are going to make up your mind this year, you'd better do it real soon. And, when you think about it, isn't it a great idea to clean the slate in advance of the new year.

You may want to begin, by making up your mind whether you will make New Year's resolutions. Then, make up your mind just what those resolutions will be.  

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

You have to make up your mind at the start of the day that nothing that comes your way is going to steal your joy.

Joel Osteen

Decision making is a skill that we all need.  We need to know how to make good choices and how to follow through on them.  

One of the best ways I know to make an important decision is to pray about it.  The answers always come.  If they don’t then I know the answer to the problem is not now, wait, do nothing at this time.

Life is like a buffet and there are all sorts of things you can focus on. Some will make you feel good and others will make you feel bad, but the choice is yours as to which ones you want to give your attention to, and where you set your mood. Realizing that you hold the key to your own happiness, and that’s it’s just a decision away can be a real breakthrough.

The pictures today are from last New Year’s Eve here at my house.

I hope you all have a safe and Happy New Year’s Eve!

You can conquer almost any fear if you will only make up your mind to do so. For remember, fear doesn't exist anywhere except in the mind.

Dale Carnegie

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Age is an issue of mind over matter. If you don't mind, it doesn't matter.

 Mark Twain 

Counting at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for.  There is always, always something to be thankful for.

2357. for decisions made, with the help of a good Friend.

2358.  for unanswered prayers, there is always a reason

2359. for JOY, it is every where!

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!

ADVICE FOR TODAY

Most folks are as happy as they make up their minds to be.

Abraham Lincoln

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma

 

For Tuesday, December 30th, 2014

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

TUESDAY, DECEMBER 30TH, 2014

80 DAYS UNTIL SPRING 

Sunrise: 7:54 am

Sunset:  5:07 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

December 30th is Falling Needles Family Fest Day. Today is a day to start thinking about getting rid of the Christmas tree if you had a live one.   The pine needles are starting to fall and the family festivities are just about over for this year.

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving, make every day a holiday and celebrate just living! 

Amanda Bradley

Sorry to say there aren’t any falling pine tree needles here at my house.  They can be a mess to clean up, but a live tree is wonderful for Christmas.  The decorations here won’t be all put away until after January 6th, which is when Epiphany, Three Kings Day, is celebrated.  Some of the pictures today were taken at DD’s family Christmas this year.

The rest were taken throughout the year.  Due to the fact that my pictures are in date order,  I can pull up what happened for each month of the year.  While there were many many wonderful things that happened each month, I’ll be showing only 1 picture for each month.  Starting with January 2014 through December 2014.  

January

We celebrated New Years Day with a family dinner of pork and sauerkraut for good luck in the New Year. And I’ll be doing a family dinner again this year too.

February

a very snowy month

March

my 70th birthday

April

A visit with DS#4 and his family

May

Lilac time

June

DD’s and DS#3’s birthday celebration

July 

Celebrated the 4th at DS#6’s house

August

Enjoyed a trip along the Ohio River

September

Leaves changed and raking season began

October

Pumpkin season enjoyed by all

November

Record cold days

December

Lots of preparation and then lots of celebrating

Seeing how fast the year went by makes me realize just how important it is to celebrate each and every day.  

I hope you all have a terrific Tuesday

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Stop worrying about the potholes in the road and celebrate the journey! 

Barbara Hoffman

Counting at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for.  There is always, always something to be thankful for.

2354. for a few more days to enjoy the Christmas Decorations here

2355.  for 2014, a wonderful year filled with precious moments

2356. for all the gifts I received at Christmas, especially the hugs and smiles 

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!

ADVICE FOR TODAY

Life is a festival only to the wise. 

Ralph Waldo Emerson 

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma

 

For Monday, December 29th, 2014

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

MONDAY, DECEMBER 29TH, 2014

81 DAYS UNTIL SPRING 

Sunrise: 7:53 am

Sunset:  5:07 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

December 29th is Tick Tock Day.  There are only two days left until the end of the year.  Have you achieved everything you set out to do, upheld your New Year’s resolutions and made a difference? Tick Tock Day puts the pressure on you to cram in some last minute work before the end of the year to achieve your goals

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Hickory, dickory, dock.
The mouse ran up the clock.
The clock struck one,
The mouse ran down,
Hickory, dickory, dock

The end of December is a popular time for looking back on the year’s accomplishments.  It is a helpful process when it comes to shaping your resolutions for the coming year. Old time just keeps ticking away and it’s hard to believe that this year is almost over.  I probably didn’t get done all that I wanted to, but I don’t think we ever do.  The important things got done though, and for me that is what matters.  We can all only do the best we can for each day.  I’ve no regrets as we move into a new year.  

So many of our days are just like the nursery rhyme above.  We run up and down trying to get things done and the next day we start all over again.  Taking a little time out in our scurrying about is one of the most valuable things we can do for ourselves.  Even if it’s only for 5 minutes.  Take a deep breath and relax.

Much of my new year’s resolutions/goals will be a continuation of last year’s.  I’ve some ongoing projects I’ve been working on for quite awhile now.  Every day brings a gift, the gift of time and it’s our choice how we use it.  Try to use it wisely.

Today’s pictures are of the sunrise and sunset last Friday.  We so rarely see much color at all in the sky these days so I snapped some pictures so I could remember that even though we cannot see it the sun really is always there.  

I hope you all have a great start to this new week.  It’s the last one of 2014.  Happy Monday !

COUNTING MY GIFTS

We do not remember days; we remember moments. 

Cesare Pavese

Counting at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for.  There is always, always something to be thankful for.

2351. for beautiful sunrises and sunsets

2352.  for the time to do the important things in life

2353. for my calendar that keeps me on track

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 !

ADVICE FOR TODAY

Approach the New Year with resolve to find the opportunities hidden in each new day. 

Michael Josephson

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma

 

For Sunday, December 28th, 2014

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 28TH, 2014

82 DAYS UNTIL SPRING 

Sunrise: 7:53 am

Sunset:  5:06 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

December 28th is Card Playing Day. It is the perfect time to spend an hour or so playing cards with family and friends. And, it arrives at just the perfect time of year… a few days after Christmas. The holiday hustle and bustle is over. The kids are getting bored of their new toys. It's time to turn to card games for a calmer, relaxing, and more slow paced form of fun and entertainment. Cards have survived for centuries as a form of play and entertainment.

So spend spend some time playing cards with family and friends. If you have kids, make sure to play some age appropriate card games with them. You'll find its quality time with the kids that will create many warm memories.

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Make a memory with your children, 
Spend some time to show you care; 
Toys and trinkets can't replace those 
Precious moments that you share. 
Money doesn't buy real pleasure, 
It doesn't matter where you live; 
Children need your own attention, 
Something only you can give. 
Childhood's days pass all too quickly, 
Happy memories all too few; 
Plan to do that special something, 
Take the time to go or do. 
Make a memory with your children, 
Take the time in busy days; 
Have some fun while they are growing, 
Show your love in gentle ways. 

Elaine Hardt, Make a Memory

I can remember some happy times of playing cards with my family.  Games like Go Fish can be fun even for the little ones.   For years we’d gather as a family during the holidays and play games of all kinds.  Sundays were always family days at our house.  As the children got older it was important to set one day a week when we would do things with family and that always began by going to church.  The pictures today are of DS#5 and his family, DS#6 and his family and DD and her family at church on Christmas Eve.

As we had our big family gathering yesterday, it’ll be a very quiet day here.  I’d like to say a big THANK YOU to DD and her hubby for hosting a very Merry Family Christmas !

I hope you all can spend some time relaxing today.  Many will go back to work tomorrow, but it’ll be a short work week as New Years Day comes on Thursday !  

COUNTING MY GIFTS

You play the hand you're dealt. I think the game's worthwhile.

Christopher Reeves

Counting at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for.  There is always, always something to be thankful for.

2348. for a wonderful family Christmas celebration

2349.  for all the wonderful gifts we shared, especially our love for each other

2350. for good weather for all the holiday travels, it’s been almost spring like the last few days

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 !

ADVICE FOR TODAY

Just because Fate doesn't deal you the right cards, it doesn't mean you should give up. It just means you have to play the cards you get to their maximum potential. 

Les Brown

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma

For Saturday, December 27th, 2014

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 27TH, 2014

83 DAYS UNTIL SPRING 

Sunrise: 7:53 am

Sunset:  5:05 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Make Cut Out Snowflake Day is celebrated today. It's a day to show your crafty skills, as you make paper snowflakes. Making cut out snowflakes is a great project for kids. However, you don't have to be a kid, to have fun making paper snowflakes. It's a skill that is practiced by many people.

They say no two snowflakes are alike. It shouldn't come as a surprise, that there are seemingly countless different snowflake designs. So, if you like snow...bring it on! Bring out the paper and scissors, and cut out some paper snowflakes on this very special  Make Cut Out Snowflake Day.

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

The Legend of a Snowflake

Long ago,
a gleaming star led
the way to a Child
born in a Manger.
Today it is believed
that Snowflakes are
little pieces of that
special Star 
that leads us to
The Light of
the World, Jesus. 

We haven’t seen many snowflakes around here lately, but never fear winter has just begun and I’m sure before it is over we’ll have seen more than we want of them.

It is fun to make and decorate snowflakes.  Another way I found to do it was to use popsicle sticks to form the snowflake.  Simply glue together and decorate with sequins, buttons and glitter and pom poms.  Any way you make them snowflakes are fun.  

There probably won’t be time to cut out snowflakes today, although I usually do.  This is the day for our family Christmas celebration.  I’m making a huge pan of lasagna here this morning to take over to DD’s house where we’ll gather to celebrate this year.  I’m also making the ever famous green bean casserole.  I’ve already sent over the cookies and candy that I made, to add to the Christmas goodies there.

I hope you all have a super Saturday !

We Wish You a Merry♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ Christmas♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪We Wish You a Merry ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪Christmas ♥ ♥ ♥We Wish You A Merry ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪Christmas ♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪ And a Happy New Year!!! 

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Snowflakes are one of nature's most fragile things, 

but just look at what they can do when they stick together.

Counting at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for.  There is always, always something to be thankful for.

2345.  for another family gathering, we’ll miss those that aren’t with us

2346.  for laughter and fun together, we’ll have plenty

2347.  for clear roads to travel on, no snow !  Ho Ho!

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 !

ADVICE FOR TODAY

Looking for and enjoying beauty is a way to nourish the soul. the universe is in the habit of making beauty. There are flowers and songs, snowflakes and smiles, acts of great courage, laughter between friends, a job well done, the smell of fresh baked bread. Beauty is everywhere. 

Matthew Fox

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

 

Love,

ma