For Thursday, December 26th, 2024

 

ON THE BRIGHT SIDE

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26TH, 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

In TEXAS

 Sunrise:    7;25  am

   Sunset:   5:41   

pm

Life is a special  

occasion!

Hallmark!

Today is the beginning of the week long celebration of Kwansaa which is holiday created by Dr. Maulana Karenga in 1966 to honor African American heritage.  It reflects upon and celebrates seven principles:   purpose creativity , and faith..

On each day  of the celebration, a candle is lit on the Kiara.  On the first day of Kwanzaa, a black candle is lit to symbolyize  the people.  To the left of the black candle are three red  candles, representing the people’s struggles.  To the right of the black candle are three green candles, symbolizing the peoples hope for the futures. The candles are lit from left to right , one candle for each day of the celebration . 

To celebrate today, you can enjoy one of the the many festive meals or partake in the gift giving!  Enjoy! 

Today is also National Candy Cane Day, Boxing Day and Hanukkah !

 

If you cannot see the bright side,

 polish the dull side 

THOUGHT  FOR TODAY

I don’t think there will ever be a time when the principals of Kwanzaa will not be important  or timely.  It’s a great time for reflection and now more than ever our country needs to be reminded of unity.

Kellie Carter Jackson

I think it is important that we recognize and honor others holidays, if we expect them to respect ours in return.  We are country of many different nationalities living together in our country and we should all try to get along together.  It’s what we’re commanded to do.  We are to love one another. 

I have a few Jewish friends and  also a few African Americans that are my friends.  We all get along just fine.  I respect their customes and they respect mine.  We can be friends despite our differences.

 

When I used to have my own home, I change some of the decorations to all things snow related and snowmen !  That is what the pictures are of today 

We all enjoyed our lazy day in PJ’s yesterday.  I had a few phone calls from some of my children, but mostly it was quiet day.  We enjoyed a delicious Prime Rib Roast that my SIL fixed for dinner.  I also had some pumpkin pie for dessert.  We now have a fridge filled with leftovers from Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, so there will be plenty of good food to eat when ever any one gets hungry. 

Everyone here is still on Christmas break so no one has to go to work and they have slept in this morning. 

The holiday feeling is still very alive and well here.  As of yesterday, not everyone had received their gift from me, I plan to do so tracking on line today to see what’s going on.

I hope you all have a GREAT Day! Happy Thursday!

COUNTING MY GIFTS

The holiday reflects the best African thought  and practice in its reaffirmation of the dignity of the human person in community and culture, the well being of family and community, the entrigrity of the environment and our kinship with it, the rich resource and meaning of a peoples culture.   

Dr. Maulana Karenga

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

12,993.for holidays of others 

12,994. for our differences which make us unique.

12,995. family and friends near and far.

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

We all should know that diversity makes for a rich taprestry, we must understand that all the threads are equal in value no matter what their color.  

Maya Angelou

a smile,a word of cheer, 

A bit of love from someone dear…

Love,

ma

To see my blog The Next 20 Years click on the link below:

https://the-next-20-years.blogspot.com/2023/03/for-march-11th-2023.html