Jesus is Better Than Santa

Santa lives at the North Pole.

JESUS is everywhere.

Santa rides in a sleigh.    
JESUS rides on the wind and walks on the water.

Santa comes but once a year.    
JESUS is an ever present help.

Santa fills your stockings with goodies.    
JESUS supplies all your needs.

Santa comes down your chimney uninvited.    
JESUS stands at your door and knocks...then enters your heart.

You have to stand in line to see Santa.    
JESUS is as close as the mention of His name.

Santa lets you sit on his lap.
JESUS lets you rest in His arms.

Santa doesn't know your name, all he can say is "Hi little boy or girl, What's your name?"    
JESUS knew our name before we did.

Not only does He know our name, He knows our address too.  He knows our history and future and He
even knows how many hairs are on our heads.

Santa has a belly like a bowl full of jelly.    
JESUS has a heart full of love.

All Santa can offer is HO HO HO.    
JESUS offers health, help and hope.

Santa says "You better not cry."    
JESUS says "Cast all your cares on me for I care for you.

Santa's little helpers make toys. 
JESUS makes new life, mends wounded hearts, repairs broken homes and builds mansions.

Santa may make you chuckle but    
JESUS gives you joy that is your strength.

While Santa puts gifts under your tree    
JESUS became our gift and died on the tree.

It's obvious there is really no comparison.
We need to remember WHO Christmas is all about.
We need to put Christ back in Christmas.

Jesus is still the reason for the season.

'Tis the Season

To Be Jolly!  You can almost hear the sleighbells in the distance as our neighbors and friends roll out the tinsel in preparation for the season. 

Christmas is anticipated by almost everyone.  Luckily, routine days become brightened by long-awaited holidays. There are many things to be joyful about at Christmas: family gatherings, church programs, festive food, shopping, Christmas cards, gift wrapping, holiday music, parties, gift exchanges, decorated tree, ...

With the recession, I realize that for some, things seem dismal.  Try your best to focus on the good in life, while trusting God to see you through.

Follow me in merry measure, Fa la la la la la la la la... 

Merry Christmas!

One of my most favorite holiday movies is the 1994 make of Little Women starring Winona Ryder and Susan Sarandan.  It's a delightful screen adaptation of Louisa May Alcott's classic 1869 novel. 

Story: With her husband off in the U. S. Civil War serving as chaplain for the Union, Marmee is left alone in New England to raise their four daughters, her little women. There is the spirited & imaginative Jo; conservative & sophisticated Meg; fragile & compassionate Beth; and romantic Amy. The girls share a bond that can't be penetrated by outsiders.  As the years pass, the sisters share some of the most cherished and painful memories of coming of age, as Marmee and Aunt March guide them through issues of independence, romance and virtue. 

The story has lived in my heart for many years.  Love how family connection remains strong in the face of tragedies. 

The Turkey Shot Out of the Oven

The turkey shot out of the oven and rocketed into the air,

It knocked every plate off the table and partly demolished a chair.

It ricocheted into a corner and burst with a deafening boom,

Then splattered all over the kitchen, completely obscuring the room.

It stuck to the walls and the windows, it totally coated the floor,

There was turkey attached to the ceiling, where there'd never been turkey before.

It blanketed every appliance, It smeared every saucer and bowl,

There wasn't a way I could stop it, that turkey was out of control.

I scraped and I scrubbed with displeasure, and thought with chagrin as I mopped,

That I'd never again stuff a turkey, with popcorn that hadn't been popped.

by Jack Prelutsky

Stuffed!

I Ate Too Much Turkey by Jack Prelutsky

I ate too much turkey,

I ate too much corn,

I ate too much pudding and pie,

I'm stuffed up with muffins

and much too much stuffin',

I'm probably going to die.

I piled up my plate

and I ate and I ate,

but I wish I had known when to stop,

for I'm so crammed with yams,

sauces, gravies, and jams

that my buttons are starting to pop.

I'm full of tomatoes
and french fried potatoes,
my stomach is swollen and sore,
but there's still some dessert,
so I guess it won't hurt
if I eat just a little bit more.

Over the River!

Over the river, and through the wood,
To Grandfather's house we go;
The horse knows the way to carry the sleigh
through the white and drifted snow.

Over the river, and through the wood -
Oh, how the wind does blow!
It stings the toes and bites the nose
As over the ground we go.

Over the river, and through the wood,
To have a first-rate play.
Hear the bells ring, "Ting-a-ling-ding,"
Hurrah for Thanksgiving Day!

Over the river, and through the wood,
Trot fast, and dapple-gray!
Spring over the ground like a hunting-hound,
For this is Thanksgiving Day.

Over the river, and through the wood -
And straight through the barnyard gate,
We seem to go extremely slow,
It is so hard to wait!

Over the river, and through the wood -
Now Grandmother's cap I spy!
Hurrah for the fun! Is the pudding done?
Hurrah for the pumpkin pie!

By: Lydia Marie Child

When I was growing up, we always went to my maternal grandmother's house every Thanksgiving.  We lived near Birmingham in Garywood (Hueytown) and my grandmother lived in the outskirts of West Blocton on Smith Hill.  Without fail, our family would sing this song in the car on our way.  It seemed fitting since we were traveling through more rural country.  Thinking about this always brings back good memories for me. 

We Gather Together

We gather together to ask the Lord's blessing;
he chastens and hastens his will to make known;
the wicked oppressing now cease from distressing:
sing praise to his Name, he forgets not his own.

Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining,
ordaining, maintaining his kingdom divine;
so from the beginning the fight we were winning:
thou, Lord, wast at our side: all glory be thine!

We all do extol thee, thou leader triumphant,
and pray that thou still our defender wilt be.
Let thy congregation escape tribulation:
thy Name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!

We Gather Together is a Christian hymn of Netherlands origin written in 1597 by Adrianus Lalerius to celebrate Dutch victory over Spanish forces in the Battle of Turnhout. In the United States, it is popularly associated with Thanksgiving Day and is often sung at family meals and at religious services on that day.

At the time the hymn was written, the Dutch were engaged in a war of national liberation against the Catholic King Philip II of Spain. "Wilt heden nu treden," "We gather together" resonated because under the Spanish King, Dutch Protestants were forbidden to gather for worship. The hymn first appeared in print in a 1626 collection of Dutch patriotic songs, "Nederlandtsch Gedencklanck."

According to the Hymn Society in the United States and Canada, We Gather Together first appeared in an American hymnal in 1903. The hymn gained popularity, especially in services of Thanksgiving.

Gratitude

Be thankful that you don't already have everything you desire.

If you did, what would there be to look forward to?

Be thankful when you don't know something,
for it gives you the opportunity to learn.

Be thankful for the difficult times.
During those times you grow.

Be thankful for your limitations,
because they give you opportunities for improvement.

Be thankful for each new challenge,
because it will build your strength and character.

Be thankful for your mistakes.
They will teach you valuable lessons.

Be thankful when you're tired and weary,
because it means you've made a difference.

It's easy to be thankful for the good things.
A life of rich fulfillment comes to those who
are also thankful for the setbacks.

Gratitude can turn a negative into a positive.
Find a way to be thankful for your troubles,
and they can become your blessings.

Count Your Blessings

Count your blessings instead of your crosses;



Count your gains instead of your losses.


Count your joys instead of your woes;


Count your friends instead of your foes.


Count your smiles instead of your tears;


Count your courage instead of your fears.


Count your full years instead of your lean;


Count your kind deeds instead of your mean.


Count your health instead of your wealth;


Count on God instead of yourself.

Color

Ever wonder how to create an eye-pleasing look in your decor? Have you ever heard of the "60-30-10" rule? Take a look at a magazine page. Notice that:

60% of the color hue unifies the space.

30% provides visual interest.

10% adds that little spark of bling.

So, when decorating a room remember this rule:

60% - dominant color

30 % - secondary color

10% - accent color

It's not much different than assembling an apparel outfit. For example, take a man's suit:

60% - slacks & jacket

30% - dress shirt

10% - neck tie

Now, just translate the same idea to a room setting:

60% - wall/flooring color

30% - upholstery seating color

10% - accents/floral arrangement/pillow

Hopefully, you found this to be enlightening and useful!

Honoring Our Heroes

"Our debt to the heroic men and valiant women in the service of our country can never be repaid. They have earned our undying gratitude. America will never forget their sacrifices." - President Harry S. Truman.

Veterans Day is when we honor our service men for protecting our freedom and our future.  They deserve to be treated with dignity and respect.     

Our nation observes the holiday with no mail, no banking, no school, and no library service. 

Currently, my nephew JohnRay is in Iraq serving in the U.S. Army.  He will get to be home for Christmas.  It will be his baby daughter's very 1st Christmas, he's excited to spend it with her.  He needs our support and prayers.  May God give him health, protection, and wisdom.  And may God bless him for his sacrifice!       

God bless our soldiers!  God bless our great nation!

Sabrina's 24th Birthday!

Today is my daughter-in-law's birthday. She is an attractive, self-assured, and creative young woman. Sabrina is lovely both inside and out. She is a bright spot in our family. We adore her warm and friendly nature as well as her abundance of feminine charm. My daughter-in-law is articulate and has concern for others. Sabrina is a nurturing and supportive wife to my son Jordache and grand-daughter Jazlyn. She is practical and resourceful in running her household. She is ambitious and talented, desiring to leave her imprint on the world. What more could I ask for? So glad you are a member of this family! Happy 24th Birthday Sabrina!

Voting Day!

'Twas the night of elections

And all through the town

Tempers were flaring

Emotions all up and down!

I, in my bathrobe

With a cat in my lap

Had cut off the TV

Tired of political crap.

When all of a sudden

There arose such a noise

I peered out my window

Saw Obama and his boys

They had come for my wallet

They wanted my pay

To give to the others

Who had not worked a day!

He snatched up my money

And quick as a wink

Jumped back on his bandwagon

As I started to sink

He then rallied his henchmen

Who were pulling his cart

I could tell they were out

To tear my country apart!'

On Fannie, on Freddie,

On Biden and Ayers!

On Acorn, On Pelosi'

He screamed at the pairs!

They took off for his cause and as he flew out of sight

I heard him laugh at the nation

Who wouldn't stand up and fight!

So I leave you to think

On this one final note

-IF YOU DON'T WANT SOCIALISM...GET OUT AND VOTE!!!!

Happy Hallowe'en

Hope everyone has a fun & safe Halloween this year  . . . especially those of you trading treats for tricks!

FYI:
Juliette Gordon Low, founder of Girl Scouts of America, was born on October 31, 1860 in Savannah Georgia.  "Daisy," as she was affectionately called by family and friends, was the second of six children. 

She brought girls of all backgrounds into the out-of-doors, helping them develop self reliance and resourcefulness.  She encouraged girls to prepare not only for homemaking, but also for roles in the arts, sciences, and business.  Girl Scouts welcomed girls with disabilities at a time when they were excluded from other activities and organizations. 

From the original 18 girls, Girl Scouts has grown to 3.7 million members.  Although married, Juliette never bore any children.  She died of breast cancer in 1927. 

When I vacationed with my sister and friend in Savannah, we got to tour her lovely 1818 Italianate architecture home.  The carriage house in back was the first headquarters of Girl Scouts.

Pink Ribbon Day

Pink for a Purpose!

October is national breast cancer awareness month, please do your part to support the cause.  Since the program began in 1985, mammography rates have more than doubled for women over 50.  Breast cancer deaths have declined.  That progress is encouraging, however, early detection is key.  This includes yearly mammogram screenings and clinical breast exams, not to mention monthly self-examinations.  It just might save your life!  Put away all excuses: unpleasant, embarrassing, happens to others, ...  Come on, be proactive and assertive, don't live in ignorance or denial.    

My mother-in-law, my sister-in-law, my husband's aunt & cousin are all breast cancer survivors.  Would love for there to be a cure before my sweet granddaughters become women.  Pleased that Octobber proceeds from our Bunko group went to help combat breast cancer.  Every little bit helps!