Week Ending Friday December 27, 2019
{quotes}
The rooms were very still while the pages were softly turned and the winter sunshine crept in to touch the bright heads and serious faces with a Christmas greeting.
Louisa May Alcott, Little Women
Always remember the reason for the season.
? It’s not what’s under the Christmas tree, but who is around it.
Gifts of love are the best gifts of all.
It’s not over, it’s just beginning.
Feelings are much like waves: we can’t stop them from coming, but we can choose which one to surf.
Jonatan Mårtensson
{blessings}
Overcoming
When you stumble, it’s usually over something small that you didn’t see, like a pebble or a child’s toy. So why are you afraid of that obstacle looming large? Be grateful you can see it and get to work figuring out a way to bypass it. May you be blessed with smarts, desire and the gumption to overcome all that stands in your way.
Holiday Extras
When what to my wondering eyes should appear, ten extra pounds on my hips, thighs, and rear. May God bless you with love, laughter, and celebration.
Wonder of it All
On this day we offer the blessing of peace, the beauty of hope, the spirit of love, the comfort of faith, and the wonder of it all.
Less is More
May there be less chaos and more calm. Less running around and more staying at home. Less fuss and more ease. Less snatches of time and more leisurely time. May God bless you with less and reward you with more.
Best Intentions
Your faith isn’t an unbreakable trust. It’s a promise, sincerely made, with best intentions. God respects your efforts and shows grace when you mess up. Forgiveness is life’s most generous blessing. Receive forgiveness and extend forgiveness. Trust in the Lord.
{prayers}
Ever-Present Holy One
Dear God, You show up. You are there in the ordinary and extraordinary. You are here when I need you most and even when I am doing fine on my own. You are everywhere I see beauty and You are a tiny spark breaking through ugliness and despair. Praise to You ever-present Holy One.
Season’s Stress
You see me at my worst, help me be my best. Struggling with the stress of the season, remind me: happiness has seldom depended on a spotless home, an endless buffet or love given from holiday packages. I know I can’t be flawless, I can only be me. Thank You dear God for loving me with all my imperfections.
Gifts for my Creator
I stand before God with special intention, to celebrate this day in humility. With joy in my heart and kindness on my tongue I praise the ever-living, ever-giving, almighty Holy One. I bring gifts for my Creator. Gifts of undiminished hope, unrelenting faith and charity in abundance. Lord accept my meager offering. Amen
Come Now
Save me. Redeem me. Vanquish my enemies, extinguish my desire for sin. Come now Anointed One, come now and bring peace on Earth, unity among humankind, resurrection of the dead. May Your kingdom flourish forever.
Care for Myself
Dear God, Give me the wisdom to know how to care for myself. I want so much to be a blessing to those around me to my partner, family, and friends. Help me remember,
I cannot take care of them if I have not cared for myself. Today I ask for the courage to recognize my own needs and the strength to offer myself the same love I offer those around me. Amen
{stories, features, video}
Story: Little Piccola
Music Video: Adam Sandler’s Hannukah Song
Music Video: Silent Night Kelly Clarkson, Trisha Yearwood, Reba McEntire
Video Christmas Camel – Merry Christmas
Feature: Plumber Works for Free
Feature: Two Seniors Make an Album + Video
{bible affirmations}
Isaiah 55:11
As my word goes out from my mouth, it will not return empty. Rather, it will accomplish the purpose, I meant for it and will succeed in all that I sent for it.
Isaiah 6:3
And they were calling to one another: “Holy, holy, holy is the Lord Almighty; the whole earth is full of God’s glory.”
Isaiah 42:1
Behold, my servant, whom I uphold, my chosen, in whom my soul delights, I have put my Spirit upon him and he will bring justice to the nations.
1 Samuel 3:10
Speak Lord. Your servant is listening.
Deuteronomy 30:9
And the Lord your God will make you abundantly prosperous.