“Reflect upon your present blessings — of which every man has many — not on your past misfortunes, of which all men have some.”
― Charles Dickens, A Christmas Carol and Other Christmas Writings
Posts Tagged ‘Christmas’
24 Dec
Merriest of Christmases 2014!
“For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.”
Isaiah 9:6
23 Dec
Have You Counted Your Holiday Blessings? (Part Two)
A couple of days ago I encouraged you to consider, and attend to, the blessings that are in your life. I hope you have taken a brief break from the Christmas rush, and done so.
Here’s my Counting Continued:
6. Sitting Down and Sitting Still for a few minutes.
7. A Christmas Visit with my parents (father–91, mother 87).
8. Sparkly Lights.
9. Appreciating my local Savannah Police. Our police men and women are the first folks we usually call when something goes awry in our homes, neighborhoods and cities.
THANK YOU, BLUE!
10. The ability to see.
11. “Angels We Have Heard on High” sung by Josh Groban.
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Are you counting your holiday blessings?
21 Dec
Have You Counted Your Holiday Blessings? (Part One)
Have you done so this holiday? Blessings come in SO many forms and dressings. I urge you to take a sheet of paper and number your joys. Here is a sampling of mine:
1. I had to miss my seven year-old grandson Daniel’s first piano recital earlier this week. (I was SO frustrated.) Tonight at my family’s early Christmas dinner, I walked in the door and daughter Amy had arranged for Daniel to dress back up in his Calvin Klein suit and play Jingle Bells (as he did at the recital). It melted my heart.
(Okay, I’m not sure about the sunglasses either.)
(Absolute grandfather joy.)
Here’s Daniel at the actual recital:
2. The ability to smell Christmas.
3. Enjoying the power of silly.
4. Hosting a Holiday and Hot Toddy Chili Party Saturday night.
What fun!
Good buddies Ellie, Jamie and Brennan.
I read “A Cup of Christmas Tea” to the twenty-something guests–and asked them to think about a person important in their upbringing to toast at the end of the story. I urge you to do the same. Who encouraged you along your way?
“Let’s raise a cup of Christmas cheer, to family and loved ones far and near.”
So take a few moments, and with Bing, count your blessings:
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5. Tree shadows on a wall during a walk the other night.
What are a few of your Holiday Blessings? Come on, share a few.
21 Dec
Sunday Quote (12/21/14)
Whose heart doth hold the Christmas glow
Hath little need of Mistletoe;
Who bears a smiling grace of mien
Need waste no time on wreaths of green;
Whose lips have words of comfort spread
Needs not the holly-berries red—
His very presence scatters wide
The spirit of the Christmastide.
— John Kendrick Bangs (1862-1922), “The Christmas Spirit”
16 Dec
Happy Hanukkah
This evening at sundown marks the beginning of Hanukkah, the Jewish Festival of Lights, which is celebrated for eight days, ending December 24 this year. Hanukkah means “dedication,” and each day, as one of nine candles is lit, people remember the miracle of the lamp that lasted for eight days.
Did you know that it’s customary for U.S. presidents to issue Hanukkah messages. Here’s this year’s from Pres. Obama:
http://www.usatoday.com/story/theoval/2014/12/16/obama-annual-hanukkah-message-2014/20494051/
Another informative link: http://www.chabad.org/holidays/chanukah/article_cdo/aid/102911/jewish/What-Is-Hanukkah.htm
Let us rejoice on our diversity!
