For Monday, January 1st, 2024

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE 

MONDAY, JANUARY 1ST, 2024

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!

 

We’ll take a cup o’kindness yet, for auld lang syne.

Robert Burns 

Today is the first day of the New Year which is a holiday celebration that began over 4,000 years ago in Ancient Babylon.  During that era, the calendar changed over on the first day of Spring.  In 153 BC, the Roman Senate changed the date of New Year’s to January 1st. 

Today New Years Day signifies a time of new beginnings and resolutions.  There are many traditions and festivals that take place today around the world.  Traditionally, people in California decorate carriages with flowers during the tournament of Roses Parade  in order to celebrate the ripening of the orange crop.  In Netherlands, people eat donuts because they believe it will bring them good fortune.

Making New Years resolutions is another popular tradition found around the world.  Decide what yours will be and share your best wishes with your loved ones for the year ahead. Happy New Year!

 

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

 

THOUGHT FOR TODAY

Three hundred and sixty five sunrises to start over.

E. McD.

I alrady shared my resolution for this year, yesterday.  I don’t change it, it’s always the same.  To do better than I did the day before.

I’ll be watching the Rose parade on TV this morning as I prepare the house for company later on today.  I will be changing the table cloth over from the Christmas one that has been on there for almost a month now. 

I have one that pretty much suits the season of winter and will make that do for the next month or so.  Then I’ll switch over to one for Valentine’s Day.  I have many table clothes yet to choose from.  I gave some away already but still have some on the shelves of the cabinet next to the table and in the buffet drawer.  If any of family would like some, they are welcome to them as I cannot take them when I move, otherwise I’ll donate them too. 

It’s definitely going to be a new beginning for me, moving in with my daughter and no longer having a house to decorate.  I can only decorate my own room.

All the decorations will be donated too as no one but DS#6 has taken any.  Hopefully, DS#5 can use some. He is the only one that lives here and much of the burden of getting rid of things is being put on him.  I’m sure he would welcome any help he can get.

Mean while I’m exited about what 2024 is going to bring!

I hope you all have a GREAT start to this new week and new year.  Happy Monday!

COUNTING MY BLESSINGS 

Kindness, kindness, kindness.  I want to make a New year’s prayer, not a resolution. I’m praying for courage.

Susan Sontag

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

11,948, for a house to decorate each season 

11,949. for a move to Texas with my daughter.

11,950. for a Happy New Years Day!

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

Celebrate endings —for they precede new beginnings.

Jonathan Huie

a smile, a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma