“All great beginnings start in the dark, when the moon greets you to a new day at midnight.” ― Shannon L. Alder
It’s Always a New Day
“Thank you, God, for this good life and forgive us if we do not love it enough.” Garrison Keillor
I think we focus way too much on January 1st, especially as a day to declare our intention to make changes in our lives. How many New Years resoultions have you actually kept? Do you even remember the ones you made last year?
I did’t ask those questions to discourage you because I have good news. Everyday is a new day. A day to be grateful for what we have, recognize the good and what is working for us, make minor changes and course corrections as needed and even make those big life decisions and changes as we are called.
I don’t know abou you, but I really need to remember the first part of all that. To be grateful for what I have and to recognize the good and what is working.
“Thank you, God, for this good life and forgive us if we do not love it enough.” Garrison Keillor
New Year’s Eve
My New Year’s Eve posts are usually abour Prayer. Praying in the New Year is something I believe in. This post originally appeared in 2014. Please join me as On This New Years Eve we Pray for Peace.
The last day of the year as we prepare to welcome in a brand new year full of possibilities always seems like the perfect time to pray for peace.
On this New Year’s Eve we pray for peace.
First we pray for peace in our own hearts where true peace in the world begins.
We pray for peace in our homes that our children may learn and live peace.
We pray for peace in our neighborhoods and communities that we may dwell together in harmony.
We pray for peace in our nation that we may see the divine nature in and celebrate the worth and value of each member of our society.
We pray for peace in the world that we may work together to create a world that works for all.
Hear our prayer Oh Lord, and grant us thy peace — And so it is, Amen.
Good News Day
Hard as I tried I could not find a celebration that seemed to fit today. All the other days of December were filled, except this one. So I decided to create my own.
I am declaring today, December 30th Good News Day. I’m sure we could all use some good news. And there are still good things happening in the world. Neighbors helping neighbors, childen laughing and playing, beautiful sunrises and sunsets just to mention a few.
I did a web search on Good News and I found too many good stories to mention. The Good News Network is a good place to start.
Scripture is another source of good news.
“Fear not, little flock for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.”-–Luke 12:32
20 And when he was demanded of the Pharisees, when the kingdom of God should come, he answered them and said, The kingdom of God cometh not with observation:
21 Neither shall they say, Lo here! or, lo there! for, behold, the kingdom of God is within you. –Luke 17:20-22
“These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” —John 16:33
There are many things being said these days by politicians, reporters and yes, even preachers that are designed to scare us. We are easier to control when we are afraid. Times may seen dark right now, but every generation has had their challeges and we are certainly not the first to be told we are living in the “last days.”
If we continue to focus on what is wrong with the world and who is causing it, we will continue to fight each other and drown in our own anger and sorrow. Change will not be easy, and this is something I struggle with. But if we look for the good, we will find it. And don’t forget to share it with others.
I receive periodic reports from a friend of her familiy’s efforts to feed the hungry. They recently acquired a building to work out of and current reports are full of good news.
What good news do you want to share today?
International Cello Day
This is the day cellists and composers celebrate the memory of world renowned cellist Pablo Casals who was born on this day in 1876. Although I studied the violin in my younger days I have always loved the mellow tones of the cello.
Please enjoy this old colorized recording of him playing the Bach Bourrée I+II in C Major.
Call a Friend Day
This is a good day to connect with friends (or family) you mght not have seen for awhile. It is always good to hear a voice you haven’t heard recently and catch up on what’s going on in your lives.
We live in a time when people are more connected and also more isolated tha ever. This is especially true of people who are older or live in poverty. So today just pick up the phone. Call your Grandma. Call a member of your church who lives alone and doesn’t get out much. Call a friend you haven’t spoken with for awhile. Just call. Someone is waiting to hear from you.
Make Cut Out Snowflakes Day
Don’t you love paper snowflakes? This is a great project for all ages. Children love this, but aren’t we all kids at heart? So grab a sheet of white paper and a pair of scissors and make it snow! Remember blunt tipped scissors with adult supervision and help for the littles.
For more information visit: https://www.holidayinsights.com/moreholidays/december/snowflakeday.htm
https://www.realsimple.com/work-life/entertainment/crafts-hobbies/how-to-make-paper-snowflakes
Kwanza Begins
Genies Note: This is a reposting of an earlier Kwanzaa post. This had to be heavily researched, because I do not have personal experience with this holiday. Do you celebrate Kwanzaa? Please share you celebration with us in the comments below.
Kwanzaa begins today and is celebrated every night ending on January 1. You may be asking, what exactly is Kwanzaa? I have to admit I was asking myself that as well, so I did a little research.
Kwanzaa was created as an African American and Pan-African holiday in 1966 by Dr. Maulana Ron Karenga, to celebrate history, values, family, community and culture. Kwanzaa is rooted in first fruit celebrations found in cultures throughout Africa both in ancient and modern times and has much to teach us all.
Each night candles are lit and one of the following seven principles is celebrated.
1. Umoja (Unity)
2. Kujichagulia (Self-Determination)
3. Ujima (Collective Work and Responsibility)
4. Uja maa (Cooperative Economics)
5. Nia (Purpose)
6. Kuumba (Creativity)
7. Imani (Faith)
And of course there is food! On day six there is a feast.
The six principles of Kwanzaa are the foundation of civilization. Aren’t these something we should all want to celebrate? I encourage you to learn more.
For more information on Kwanzaa please visit:
National Museum of African History and Culture
Kwanzaa Traditions from Oprah Daily
The Culinary Traditions of Kwanzaa
This is a reposting of an earlier Kwanzaa post. This had to be heavily researched, because I do not have personal experience with this holiday.
Do you celebrate Kwanzaa? Please share you celebration with us in the comments below.
Christmas Gift Suggestions
“Christmas gift suggestions: To your enemy, forgiveness. To an opponent, tolerance. To a friend, your heart. To a customer, service. To all, charity. To every child, a good example. To yourself, respect.” — Oren Arnold
Christmas Eve
I love Christmas Eve.
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 at home streaming services, something we have done since retiring to the lake. Wherever you are and whatever you are doing this Christmas Eve I hope you will find at leat a few quiet moments to relect on this day.
espirational.com 