ON THE BRIGHT SIDE
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 18TH, 2015
Sunrise: 7:19 am
Sunset: 6:05 pm
Life is a Special Occasion!
Hallmark
Today is Ash Wednesday. The Christian season of Lent begins today, 40 days before Easter, not counting Sundays. It is a season of penance, reflection, and fasting which prepares us for Christ's Resurrection on Easter Sunday. Foreheads are marked with ashes to humble our hearts and reminds us that life passes away on Earth. We remember this when we are told
Remember, Man is dust, and unto dust you shall return
If you can't see the Bright Side, polish the dull side
THOUGHT FOR TODAY
A Lenten Reflection
Give up complaining——focus on gratitude.
Give up pessimism——become an optimist.
Give up harsh judgments——think kindly thoughts.
Give up worry——trust Divine Providence.
Give up discouragement——be full of hope.
Give up bitterness——turn to forgiveness.
Give up hatred——return good for evil.
Give up negativism——be positive.
Give up anger——be more patient.
Give up pettiness——become mature.
Give up gloom——enjoy the beauty that is all around you.
Give up jealousy——pray for trust.
Give up gossiping——control your tongue.
Give up sin——turn to virtue.
Give up giving up——hang in there!
For years I gave up things for Lent, like chocolate. But once I read the reflection above, my thinking on what to give up changed. It’s easy for me to give up chocolate, but not so easy for me to give up discouragement, bitterness and even anger sometimes, especially in the wintertime. I’ve put this in my Lenten posts before and will probably continue to do so because for me it’s the best think I can do for Lent.
Not counting Sundays, there is just 40 days till Easter. Isn’t that a wonderful thought? And there is now only 30 days until Spring. I’m thinking that it would be a marvelous thing if it truly was springlike this Easter !
The dear Lord always has a way of keeping me very humble and today I’m hoping that once again my refrigerator will be repaired. I don’t want to have to buy a new one. But this is the 3rd time in less than two months, that I’ve had to have it worked on.
We can only wait and see if the 3rd time is the charm.
I hope you all have a wonderful Wednesday!
COUNTING MY GIFTS
The opposite of love is not hate, it's indifference. The opposite of art is not ugliness, it's indifference. The opposite of faith is not heresy, it's indifference. And the opposite of life is not death, it's indifference.
Elie Wiesel
Counting at least 3 things every day that I'm thankful for. Sometimes it seems as if I’m repeating a lot of things that I’m thankful for, but no moment is really ever the same and every day is a new beginning. There is always, always something to be thankful for.
2504. for things I can give up that will make a difference
2505. for thoughts of Spring, that keep me hanging in there
2506. for plenty of snow banks to keep my frozen food frozen
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
WONDERING WHAT TO GIVE UP FOR LENT - TRY giving up INDIFFERENCE.
A little smile, a word of cheer,
A bit of love from someone dear…
Love,
ma
3 comments:
Sorry to read about your refrigerator woes, Ma. I do agree and hope that 3 times is the charm and they can keep your fridge running for you. I am glad you posted the list of what to give up for Lent; those are great things to strive for and take work on giving them up. Easier not to buy chocolate than work on some of these indeed!
betty
Thank you for this lovely reminder of what Lent is all about. You've helped to bring me focus in this holy season.
We are so focused on the weather we forget that easter and spring will soon be here. I've been having reoccurring tire problems and I seldom even go out. Hope your frig makes it.
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