FEELING THE EFFECT

Vincent van Gogh’s Table at the Auberge Ravoux

HAIKU

Sipping on Pernod

telling will my story be

with surprising end

LIVING A LIFE OF GRACE

A Bing Image

WEDNESDAY’S BLESSING

Forgive often and always

Living a life of grace requires a constant effort to forgive those who offend us. That does not diminish the wounds afflicted on us, but forgiveness renders freedom from resentment, anger and jealousy. That may take time but the reward is infinite. Forgiveness heals and makes everything new in us and most likely others.

WITH A LITTLE HELP

A Key West Restaurant

A THOUGHT AND MEDITATION

Good friendships last till ever

“Sometimes, we just need someone to show us something we cannot see for ourselves, then we too can change for-ever.”

–from my good friend Kamal

WONDERFUL PROMISE

Virgin by Abbott Handerson Thayer

In honor of Mary’s Assumption into Heaven

“Little Children, give thanks unceasingly for all that you possess so that a joyful blessing always comes down from God upon your life.”

–Words of Mary from Medjugorje

BE CALM DURING THESE HOLIDAYS

Are you finding yourself in trials beyond your control?

Well then, step into Jesus’ abode.  Expect to find peace in Him.  There, is absolute trust in Him to regain your bearing.

HAIKU

Sort out needs from stress

Make the day merry and bright

Give out Christmas cheer

Bless the grace of each morning

Make your to-do list more realistic

Count you daily gifts and talents

At night be grateful for the day

Bring sleep to my eyes and slumber to my body until I meet my tomorrow with you Lord, Amen.

ANGELS OF ADVENT

“These angels of Advent appear before our hearts.  Silently they bring the questions of God and proclaim to us the miracles of God, with whom nothing is impossible.”

–Father Delp, German Jesuit priest martyred in 1945

HAIKU

Angels of Advent

Coming into private rooms

Dispensing miracles

A FRONT DOOR MESSAGE

“Lifting humanity’s spirit is its own reward.  So, grab a bough and blaze the Yule.  The Holidays are here.”

–Stephen Orr

One of my favorites things to do during the Christmas season is to decorate all over, just like my Maman did.  Pretty bows on plants, poinsettia tablecloth, votive candles here and there, etc. and of course a fresh evergreen wreath on the front door that hopefully cheers a person walking by the cul-de-sac.

About 5 years ago, I bought a miniature fir tree and planted it by our wooden fence. Now with its branches wide enough, I can circle around tinsel garland to create a new outdoor delight.

Here, catch some of the holiday magic to wrap yourself with during this awesome celebration of life, with plenty of ornaments, sweets, gifts under the tree, loving family and neighbors…and some spicy beverages to sip away any stress:

Hot Spiced Cranberry Cider

In a pot over low heat, stir 3 cups apple cider, 2 cups cranberry juice, 2 cinnamon sticks, 1 tsp. ground nutmeg and 1 slice of lemon.  Cook 15-20 minutes and serve warm.

Nutmeg Eggnog Banana Blast

  

Combine the following ingredients in blender with 1 cup ice cubes:

3 sliced bananas, 3 cups eggnog, 1 tsp. vanilla extract and 1/4 tsp. nutmeg.  Puree smooth and serve in glasses.

Cinnamon Hot Chocolate

In a saucepan over medium heat, pour 1 cup hot cocoa mix, 4 cups any milk and 2 tsp. each cinnamon vanilla, cook 5 minutes and serve.

Voila!  Joyeux Noel et Bon Appetit

Bing Images

A RE-BLOG POST – The Cobbler who also mends Souls………

This enchanting story makes my heart sing, because it describes God’s promise of tithing no matter the percentage given and God is pleased to shower great blessings on the tither…a wonderful post to share here.

Boundless Blessings by Kamal

There is a cobbler who sits across the street in front of an office building. Every day, Krishna sees that there is a stray dog that comes and sits with him as soon as he arrives at the place and he feeds him biscuits and milk. The cobbler goes about his work while the dog sits there and gives him company. Krishna felt as if there is a connection between them and that unknown to everyone; they are having a conversation without a word being said.

There is also food that he brings for the birds too, which he keeps at different places on the street pavement where he sits for his work. Many people stop by and ask him for directions and he always guides them with a smile, even if he does not get any business with them.

If he sees a homeless person going by, he offers…

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WHEN GOD ASKS…

“When God asks us a question, he desires us to be knit to His soul.”

–Prophet Robin D. Bullock

I replied, wow! to this question, remembering all the special encounters with the Living God.  Then I heard Him ask further:

“Do you consider yourself a disciple?”

Of course, I replied.

Saint Paul writing to the Romans 10:9-18, speaks of this calling to discipleship.

“How beautiful are the feet of those who bring the good news!  Their voice has gone forth to all the earth, and their words to the ends of the world.”

It’s easy to pocket our discipleship for a rainy day.  Constantly giving away the good news is the better part…to become God’s butler.

DECEMBER, THE BEST SAVED FOR LAST

Christmas Lore and Traditions

Whatever the weather on Christmas will foretell the weather for the coming new year..

A green Christmas will cover Easter white.

If windy on Christmas, trees will bear much fruit in Spring.

If ice hangs on tree limbs on Christmas day, there will grow clover so tall to cut by Easter.

Just some December lore…what is most important is how you celebrate Winter, the holidays and welcoming a new year with family and friends.

Will you bake cookies, make an evergreen candle centerpiece for your table, visit your local nursing home or buy a secret Santa gift for needy children in the neighborhood? — the possibilities are endless and a wonderful way to spread Christmas cheer all around you.

“The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree:  the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.”

–Burton Mills

I’m delighted that this year my husband’s niece wants to host the family for Christmas dinner and I will bring Swedish meatballs that they all like.

Praise God for December and everything that makes it sparkle and precious to everyone.