For Sunday, November 27th, 2016

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 27TH, 2016

23 DAYS UNTIL WINTER 

27 DAYS UNTIL CHRISTMAS

Sunrise: 7:30 am

Sunset:  5:00 pm

Life is a Special Occasion!

Hallmark

Advent begins today. Advent is a holy season in the Christian calendar.  It is a very special time, as Christians wait and prepare for the coming of the Lord, Jesus whose birth we celebrate on Christmas. While Santa Claus' arrival is a big big event, we must remember Jesus' birth on earth is much bigger, and the real cause for Christmas.

In the early days of the church, Advent was a time of prayer and confession. Today, Advent is more a time of preparation and expectation of the coming of the Lord.

The Advent Wreath is an important symbol of Advent of the season. It usually sits on the dinner table and is a constant reminder of the holy season. The wreath is of German origin and consists for an evergreen wreath, and four Advent candles. Three candles are purple and one is pink.

The wreath is made of evergreen, either real or artificial. It s circular shape represents eternity, for it has no beginning and no end. The evergreen was chosen as it symbolizes growth and everlasting life.

There are four candles, three purple and one pink.  They represent the four weeks of preparation. As another candle is it each week, we are reminded of  the growing light of Christ's presence.

The meaning of the candles is as follows:

First Purple candle: represents hope.

Second Purple Candle: stands for love.

Third, pink candle: represents joy.

Fourth purple candle: is a symbol of peace.

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

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

The Advent Virus
Anonymous via email

WARNING……WARNING: ADVENT VIRUS

Be on the alert for symptoms of inner Hope, Peace, Joy and Love. The hearts of a great many have already been exposed to this virus and it is possible that people everywhere could come down with it in epidemic proportions. This could pose a serious threat to what has, up to now, been a fairly stable condition of conflict in the world.

Some signs and symptoms of The Advent Virus:

A tendency to think and act spontaneously rather than on fears based on past experiences.

An unmistakable ability to enjoy each moment.

A loss of interest in judging other people.

A loss of interest in interpreting the actions of others.

A loss of interest in conflict.

A loss of the ability to worry. (This is a very serious symptom.)

 Frequent, overwhelming episodes of appreciation.

Contented feelings of connectedness with others and nature.

Frequent attacks of smiling. 

An increasing tendency to let things happen rather than make them happen.

An increased susceptibility to the love extended by others as well as the uncontrollable urge to extend it.

Please send this warning out to all your friends. This virus can and has affected many systems. Some systems have been completely cleaned out because of it.

Today will be a day of rest for me.  After all the visiting and feasting, I’m ready for a quiet day at home. I’d like to thank DS#2 and #4 and their families for a wonderful vacation and DS#1 and his family for the family feast and fun at their house yesterday.

Time to put away the few fall decorations that I had out and find my Advent Wreath for the table.  Other than that there will be little decorating to do.  Now it’s back to work for me clearing out the house.

The pictures are of some of my family getting a Christmas tree and others decorating ice cream cone Christmas trees.

I hope you all have a relaxing Sunday!

WHAT’S NEW IN THE KITCHEN

There is a food holiday to celebrate every day of the year!

National Bavarian Cream Pie Day

Pastry
1/3 cup butter
2 1/2 tablespoons sugar
1/3 teaspoon salt
1 egg yolk
1 cup flour
1/3 cup finely chopped almonds

Filling
10 ounces frozen raspberries, partially thawed and drained
2 egg whites
1 cup sugar
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 teaspoon vanilla extract
1/4 teaspoon almond extract
1/8 teaspoon salt
1 cup whipping cream
For the pastry: Grease a 10 inch pie pan. 

Cream butter, sugar and salt until fluffy. Add egg yolk and beat thoroughly. Mix in flour and almonds. Press into prepared pie pan. Bake 12 minutes in a 400 degrees F oven. 

For the filling: Place all ingredients except the whipping cream in a large bowl of an electric mixer. Beat until mixture thickens and expands in volume, up to 15 minutes. 

Whip cream and fold into raspberry mixture. Pile into pastry and freeze at least 8 hours.

COUNTING MY GIFTS

Blessed is the season which engages the whole world in a conspiracy of love! 

Hamilton Wright Mabie

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

4429. for Advent, a season to prepare

4430. for a great visit with DS#2 and #4 and their families

4431. for a day to rest before the work begins

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

A Christmas List
Anonymous

Fear less, hope more;
Eat less, chew more;
Whine less, breathe more;
Talk less, say more;
Hate less, love more;
And all good things will be yours

A little smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma