We create our reality with our thoughts, so make them good ones. You have to work at this folks, but it is well worth the effort. Remember it’s not what happens to us, it’s how we think about and react to it that matters. We make our world heaven or hell through our thoughts. Wouldn’t you rather live in heaven? Wouldn’t you rather be an example to others that they can live in heaven?
Thought for Today
“Learn to light a candle in the darkest moments of someone’s life. Be the light that helps others see; it is what gives life its deepest significance.”
― Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart
Fun and Easy Ways to Shine Your Light: Continue Your Spiritual Practice
It is important that we continue on our regular spiritual path during the holidays. Do not let your daily practices get lost in the busyness of the season. Continue to make time each day to meditate, pray, read from sacred texts or devotional materials and any other spiritual practices that are a regular part of your life.
Now that doesn’t mean we can’t get creative with our practices. We can even focus on light or the particular light holiday we celebrate. The important thing is to stay centered, grounded and connected to Spirit.
There are materials out there to assist you with this or you might want to create your own. Here are a few to get you started:
The Love and Light of Christmas
Light up your Advent: Resources to make the most of the season
Lift Your Light High: A reading for an Advent candlelight service
Fun and Easy Ways to Shine Your Light: Make and Send Holiday Cards
I love to get cards, but when someone makes a card or adds an extra touch to a purchased card, I feel special. If you usually buy cards this year try something different. Create your own cards. This is a great project to get the kids involved. Look online for ideas of handmade cards. Send them to friends and family. Think of hospitalized children, nursing home residents, solders or others who might enjoy receiving a card. I’m mentioning this early, because it takes time to make and mail cards.
Need ideas? Here are a few links to get you started. Pinterest is also a good source of ideas.
https://www.buzzfeed.com/peggy/49-awesome-diy-holiday-cards?utm_term=.cvYjJdayl#.wiK24zEo8
http://www.hgtv.com/design/make-and-celebrate/handmade/16-handmade-holiday-cards-pictures
http://www.marthastewart.com/1506825/christmas-cards
Thought for Today
Image Copyright 2017 by R.A. Robbins
“Hope is being able to see that there is light despite all of the darkness.” — Desmond Tutu
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For more “sparks” of light in a dark world please visit McGuffy’s Reader.
Thought for Today
“The most beautiful things are not associated with money; they are memories and moments. If you don’t celebrate those, they can pass you by“.— Alek Wek
Read more at: https://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/alekwek783092.html?src=t_celebrate
This Little Light of Mine…
I’m going to let it shine.
But shining our light in the world can be difficult, especially during the often frantic holiday season, can’t it? Could you use a few ideas for fun and easy ways to let your light shine during the holidays?
Well, I’ve got them.
From now until the end of December I will feature fun and easy ways to shine your light. There will be family friendly activities you can do alone or with friends, family, co-workers or another type of group. There won’t be set days for these posts, you’ll have to watch for them.
In a world with so much darkness it may be difficult to celebrate during the holiday season. But celebrate we must. Not in an all out go for broke material sort of way, but by letting the light of God living through and as us shine.
So, are you ready?
National Family Health History Day
Yes today is Thanksgiving for those of the U.S. but Thanksgiving Day is also National Family Health History Day. Think about it for a minute and it makes perfect sense. While you have everybody together is a great time to learn more about your family health history. My brother and his wife and Bob and I had a discussion about this last year. My brother and I each had information on different sides of the family so until we put together what we both knew, our information was incomplete. It only took and 15 minutes, it wasn’t depressing and I wish we had gotten around to this sooner.
Don’t turn Thanksgiving into a downer talking about all the death and sickness in the family, but… this may be a good time to casually ask mom, grandma or your favorite aunt a few questions if you have concerns related to your family health history. Knowing your family health history does not doom you to repeating it. In fact being aware of these things gives you the opportunity to adjust your lifestyle to be your healthiest and even prevent certain diseases and conditions. For example, if grandpa died of lung cancer or emphysema you can choose to not smoke.
Don’t be afraid of your family medical history, it’s what you don’t know that can harm you.
Just a Reminder…
… life is supposed to be fun! Faith is supposed to be fun! Thank you Sisters for the reminder!
So if you’ve been busy getting ready for Thanksgiving take a minute and enjoy!
Thought for Today
“If you concentrate on finding whatever is good in every situation, you will discover that your life will suddenly be filled with gratitude, a feeling that nurtures the soul.”
~ Harold Kushner
espirational.com 