For Tuesday, February 2nd, 2016

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 2ND, 2016

46 DAYS UNTIL SPRING

Sunrise: 7:40 am

Sunset:  5:46 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Groundhog Day is celebrated in the U.S. each year on February 2nd. On this day in mid winter, the groundhog awakens from a long winter's nap, and goes outside of his den to see if he sees his shadow. This tradition is big, on an otherwise cold and dreary mid winter's day.

According to legend, if the groundhog sees his shadow,a sunny morning, there will be six more weeks of winter. He then returns to his den and goes back to sleep. If however, he does not see his shadow, cloudy days, he plays around outside of his hole for a while. If he does not see his shadow, spring is just around the corner.

The Groundhog's Day tradition travelled a long ways. German immigrants brought the tradition with them from Germany. As they settled in hills of Pennsylvania, they began the tradition of using the Groundhog to predict the the arrival of Spring. The tradition is based upon Candlemas, the day that is the midpoint between Winter and Spring. A famous Candlemas poems goes:

If Candlemas be fair and bright, 
Winter has another flight. 
If Candlemas brings clouds and rain, 
Winter will not come again.

Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania is the site of the annual Ground Hog event. Punxsutawney Phil has been making this annual winter prediction since 1887. There are a few other predictors around the country, but they all pale in comparison to Phil's ability to predict the remainder of winter.

For the Record Phil sees his shadow about 9 out of 10 times

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Turn your face to the sun and the shadows fall behind you. 

Maori Proverb

It would be nice to have Spring right around the corner, but having lived here most all my life, I’m pretty sure we’ll be having 6 more weeks of winter here in Ohio.  It’s been a relatively mild one so far, so I’m not complaining.  We’ve seen signs of spring already with the tops of daffodils popping up.  I fear they’ll be covered with snow a few times more before Spring arrives.

Things are pretty quiet here in my neck of the woods.  Due to the lack of sun and the cold weather, I hibernate for most of the winter.  Thankfully there have been some good movies to watch and some wonderful books to read. Today’s movie of choice will be Groundhogs Day with Bill Murray!

I hope you all have a TERRIFIC Tuesday !

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Wherever you go, no matter what the weather, always bring your own sunshine. 

Anthony J. D'Angelo

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

3553. for comfort and warmth on a cold winter day

3554. for good movies, and funny ones too

3555. for our weathermen, animal and human

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.

 

Almighty and eternal God,

Protect our military

as they discharge their duties

with the shield of your strength,

may the power of your love

enable them to return home in safety

that with all who love them

they may ever praise you for your loving care.

AND bless our Police Officers, Firefighters

and Paramedics and EMT’s

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

ADVICE FOR TODAY

The trouble with weather forecasting is that it's right too often for us to ignore it and wrong too often for us to rely on it. 

Patrick Young

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma