For Sunday, December 31st, 2023

 

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE 

SUNDAY, DECEMBER 31ST, 2023

The moments of our lives may be bright with possibility, dark with fear or sadness, or even plain everyday gray, but God's glory never fades.  May God's glory shine into the exciting lights, upsetting darks,  and boring grays of your every day.

Slightly adapted from one of my morning devotionals

78 Days Until Spring 

In Ohio

   Sunrise:  7:54  am

   Sunset:   5:08  pm

Life is a special  

occasion!

Hallmark!

 

Today is New Year’s Eve which is a special occasion celebrated across the Globe.  Many cultures have fireworks displays and eat a grape with each of the twelve chimes of the bell during the countdown in Brazil, they typically dress in white to bring good luck and peace for the year to come.

New years eve is usually a major social holiday.  Typically huge crowds gather in New York City to watch the ball drop in Times Square, a tradition that began in 1907 after firecrackers were  outlawed.  At midnight, it is customary to kiss a loved one, toast with champagne, and sing Auld Lang Syne.

However you choose to celebrate, at home with family or out with friends, I wish you a safe and Happy New Year!

 

If you cannot see the bright side, polish the dull side

 

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Be at war with your vices, at peace with your neighbors and let every new year find you a better man.

Benjamin Franklin

It will be a quiet New Years Eve here at my house as I’ll spending it watching the ball drop in NYC on TV.

I only hope to stay awake long enough to see it. I should be taking a long nap this afternoon to assure that I stay awake.  Sounds good to me.

More rain is coming our way, I haven’t seen any snow flakes but it is coming as we’re to get colder yet. 

Many make their New Year’s resolutions tonight, but the only resolution I ever make is to do better than yesterday!  That will be my resolution this year.

I’ve also heard of many choosing a word to focus on for the New Year.  Mine will be RIZ.  I heard it on TV for the first time watching Tv.  It’s suppose to be short for Chrismatic.  People are charismatic when they communicate with passion and enthusiasm while displaying positive body language.  It involves thinking Positively, and having optimism and self confidence,  and also being persuasive and building the respect and trust of others.  I hope to be able to do just that. 

I will do my celebrating with family tomorrow when we’ll be having the pork roast dinner I mentioned for the weekend.  I decided to save it until New Years Day.  It’ll be a small group as DD and her family are in Texas now. But DS#5 should be back home so hopefully he and his family will come over.  

It’s a good day to stay inside and relax with a nap. I’ll be toasting the New Year with Eggnog and not champagne.

I hope you all have a RELAXING Sunday!

COUNTING MY BLESSINGS 

And now we welcome the new year.  Full of things that have never been. 

Rainer Marie Rilke

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

11,945, for another wonderful year past 

11,946. for family to celebrate with

11,947. for the gift another year ahead!

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 EMT’s.

We ask this through Christ our Lord.

Amen

GOD BLESS YOU ALL!

ADVICE FOR TODAY

The new year stands before us, like a chapter in a book waiting to be written.  We can help write that story by setting goals.

Melody Beattie 

a smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma