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Christmas Eve Services

Over the years Bob and I have made a tradition of attending Christmas Eve Services. The buildings have ranged from a converted factory to an history cathedral. Music has included magnificent organs, rock and roll bands, strings, choirs, soloists and a mariachi band. The ancient words have been spoken in Latin, English and Spanish. Traditions` have covered the Christian spectrum from Catholic, to a variety of protestant denominations to Unity. But over the years all these different experiences have had one thing in common — the presence of the Creator and the love in the hearts of those who have come to celebrate the birth of the Christ Consciousness.

This year we will be a part of the online congregation of Unity Village Chapel for their Christmas Eve Candle Lighting Service. The service begins at 7 pm Central time and we invite you to join the live stream by going to http://www.unityvillagechapel.org/ If you live in the Kansas City area please consider attending in person.

Thought for Today

“How many observe Christ’s birthday! How few, His precepts!” ― Benjamin Franklin

Mary’s Boy Child

Winter Solstice

Thought for Today

“We light candles in testament that faith makes miracles possible.” — Nachum Braverman

Healthy Living A to Z: Z is for Zucchini

I know winter may seem an odd time to be talking about zucchini. Have you ever tried to think of a healthy living word that starts with Z? I was grateful for zucchini. And why shouldn’t I be?

Zucchini being made up mostly of water is low in calories with just 20 in one cup chopped w/skin. http://nutritiondata.self.com/facts/vegetables-and-vegetable-products/2639/2
You want to eat zucchini with the skin on because that is where most of the nutrients are including fiber. Zucchini is also a source of antioxidants vitamins A and C, potassium and phosphorus. http://www.livestrong.com/article/314857-raw-zucchini-nutrition/

Just rinse, then slice or grate. I bake or steam sliced zucchini with a little chopped onion and sliced or chopped tomato with a little fresh basil. Try using Zucchini sliced lengthwise to replace lasagna noodles. Or cut a zucchini in half lengthwise, scoop out the some of the middle, stuff with your favorite veggies or grains and bake. Include zucchini in your favorite soup or grate a little raw onto your favorite salad. Of course cookies, muffins and cakes are still good, but why not take on the challenge of finding ways to make them healthier?

What’s your favorite way to prepare zucchini?

Thought for Today

“As long as Hanukkah is studied and remembered, Jews will not surrender to the night. The proper response, as Hanukkah teaches, is not to curse the darkness but to light a candle.” — Irving Greenberg

In Honor of Hanukkah: Shine

Thought for Today

Snow Couple Wreath Copyright 2011 by R.A. Robbins — Snow Couple Wreath
Copyright 2011 by R.A. Robbins

“Shall we liken Christmas to the web in a loom? There are many weavers, who work into the pattern the experience of their lives. When one generation goes, another comes to take up the weft where it has been dropped. The pattern changes as the mind changes, yet never begins quite anew. At first, we are not sure that we discern the pattern, but at last we see that, unknown to the weavers themselves, something has taken shape before our eyes, and that they have made something very beautiful, something which compels our understanding.” — Earl W. Count 4,000 Years of Christmas