There is an answer in every tragedy, we need only be willing to find the question. First we must put aside: anger, self pity, doubt, public opinion, and the loss of what could have been. Once the question is found, it's answer will bring strength and the ability to move forward. Faith brings hope, hope brings possibility, possibility brings achievement. All achievements are little miracles because of the hurdles overcome to get there.

 We just received the Library of Congress certificate for How Nicholas Became Santa Clause.

Something to think about, as you start your day.

Shared with love.

Psalms 136:26

Give thanks to the God of heaven, for his steadfast love endures forever. Psalms 18:32-34 It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights. He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.

Isaiah 41:10

So do not fear, for I am with you, do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Serenity

The Serenity Prayer

God grant me the serenity To accept the things I cannot change; Courage to change the things I can; And wisdom to know the difference. Living one day at a time; Enjoying one moment at a time; Accepting hardships as the pathway to peace; Taking, as He did, this sinful world As it is, not as I would have it; Trusting that He will make all things right If I surrender to His Will; So that I may be reasonably happy in this life And supremely happy with Him Forever and ever in the next. Amen. A prayer attributed to Reinhold Neibuhr (1892-1971)

No matter my mood or physical condition, I begin each day with the above devotions, which give me strength and keep me from feeling sorry for myself. My husband’s uncle the Rev Lonie Cash told me that if I said these four verses in this order, I would never have a day of regret. When those days, which are filled with pain, anxiety or fear. That is when I draw strength from these. All other days these verses are my foundation, and allow me to treat all without preconceived expectations until proven otherwise.

"And God so loved the peoples of the Earth he sent us His only son, Jesus Christ."

During the Christmas season we celebrate the gift of Love given freely by the creator who sent us His only son even though that son would become the sacrificial lamb of our salvation. It for this reason, that we present each other gifts which represent our love and concern for each other. Although material gifts received are appreciated, my most favorite gift is the time spent with friends and family.

What did my family offer me this year? They did all the preparation, cooking, cleaning, shopping and most of the wrapping as their father worked, and I recovered from surgery. Since Christmas they have done all the cooking, cleaning and straightening, while preventing me from overdoing. For this, I am very grateful, and will cherish the memory always.

 Although many people are injured, become ill or die each day, it becomes especially hard to bear during times of special occasion. So let us all remember those who are struggling with hardship or loss this season. Join your voice with mine asking for comfort, healing, understanding and the renewal of spirit, that they may again find joy and laughter. The sharing of memories is the best way to keep someone in ones heart. For it is the sharing that keeps their energy in the world.

Our prayers are with the family, friends and the world for the loss of Nelson Mandela. May we honor his passing without displays of violenc

Happy Thanksgiving and Hanukkah to all.

As we celebrate Thanksgiving and Hanukkah, let us all remember that tomorrow is a day for thanks, not arguments and hurtful words. Put aside pride make the first move to mend fences. Family, (weather by birth, adoption, or marriage) is the foundation, upon you are designed. You may find that both sides of the fence have some eye-appeal that may be appreciated by all.

HAPPY HOLIDAYS to ALL, and to ALL a good LIFE

     Acknowledging all the peoples of the world, our society has become very politically correct. People have become so afraid of offending anyone that we hesitate to call Christmas by it’s name. This Christmas season is so named for the Christian celebration of the birth of Christ, the only son of the Creator, sent to give His life to save our souls. This season of peace and thanksgiving is the time of year that is filled with patience, tolerance and concern for others. A time when hospitality is granted to ALL with whom we come in contact.

     That said, there are many peoples who celebrate different religions with celebrations occurring between now through the New Year. Below, from the Interfaith Calendar, is a listing of the celebrations that will take place between now and the end of January 2014. To all peoples of all religions we wish for you the blessings of health, love, prosperity, and safety.

NOVEMBER 2013

24 ◦ Guru Tegh Bahadur Martyrdom - Sikh •

26 ◦ Day of the Covenant * - Baha'i

 28 ◦ Ascension of Abdu'l-Baha * - Baha'i ◦ Thanksgiving - USA - Interfaith

28-Dec 5 ◦ Hanukkah * - Judaism

30 ◦ Saint Andrew's Day - Christian

DECEMBER 2013

• 1 through 24 ◦ Advent (first Sunday) - Christian

• 6 ◦ Saint Nicholas Day - Christian • 8 ◦ Rohatsu - Bodhi Day ** - Buddhist ◦ Immaculate Conception of Mary - Catholic Christian

• 12 ◦ Feast Day of Our Lady of Guadalupe - Catholic Christian • 16-25 ◦ Posadas Navidenas - Christian • 21 Solstice ◦ Yule * - Wicca/Pagan northern hemisphere ◦ Litha * - Wicca/Pagan southern hemisphere ◦ Yule - Christian • 24 ◦ Christmas Eve - Christian

• 25 ◦ Christmas * - Christian

• 26 ◦ Zarathosht Diso (Death of Prophet Zarathushtra)** - Zoroastrian

• 28 ◦ Holy Innocents - Christian • 29 ◦ Feast of the Holy Family - Catholic Christian

• 31 ◦ Watch Night – Christian

JANUARY 2013

• 1 ◦ Mary, Mother of God - Catholic Christian ◦ Feast of St Basil - Orthodox Christian ◦ Gantan-sai (New Years) - Shinto ◦ Holy Name of Jesus - Orthodox Christian

• 5 ◦ Twelfth Night - Christian ◦ Guru Gobindh Singh birthday - Sikh

• 6 ◦ Epiphany - Christian ◦ Feast of the Theophany - Orthodox Christian ◦ Dia de los Reyes - Christian ◦ Nativity of Christ - Armenian Orthodox

• 7 ◦ Nativity of Christ ** - Orthodox Christian

• 13 ◦ Baptism of the Lord Jesus - Christian ◦ Maghi - Sikh

• 15 ◦ World Religion Day - Baha'i

• 17 ◦ Blessing of the Animals - Hispanic Catholic Christian

• 18-25 ◦ Week of Prayer for Christian Unity - Christian

• 19 ◦ Timkat- Ethiopian Orthodox Christian

• 20 ◦ World Religion Day - Baha'i

• 24 ◦ Mawlid an Nabi * ** - Islam

• 25 ◦ Conversion of Saint Paul - Christian

• 26 ◦ Tu BiShvat * - Jewish

• 27-30 ◦ Mahayana New Year ** - Buddhist ◦

The Magic of Life Not very often do we stop to think of all the people and all the events that come together to create the person we are today.

Magic is that which is formed by physics or chemistry, but is not fully explained by science, yet is influenced by faith or belief. It does not need be explained, only experienced. Its affect upon us is determined by our experiences. Not everything need be explained. Trust your experiences, possess them, they are the magic that formed the person you have become.

     Ted and His Lullaby Bear

     When Ted was brought home we bought two identical bears that play lullabye baby. The bears were given to Jackie and Ted to comfort them as they adjusted to each other. Ted discovered that if he played the music box, then cried someone would come play with him. After a short time Jackie and Ted would howl every time anyone, dog or human, played the music box. When Penny came, we got her a lullaby baby bear of her own. Ted taught Penny to sing to the bear as well. Penny has since destroyed her bear and pulled Ted's into several parts. Ted has had his lullaby bear since we brought him home 6 1/2 years ago. Penny tore it up and un-stuffed it.

    This morning Ted brought all the parts to me, laid them on the bed and began looking at me with pleading eyes and squeaking. When I asked if he wanted me to fix it he squeaked even more Ted laid on the bed watching as Bear was being sewn, trying to steal it from me in the process. When I gave it back to Ted, he immediately played the lullaby and howled, then he tucked it under his chin and went to sleep.

    It is two years since Jackie has been to the Rainbow Bridge, Ted's behavior seemed as though he is missing her. I called Lincoln Way Animal hospital and spoke to Michelle who suggested letting Ted smell Jackie's ashes. I brought her down, let him smell the ashes, Ted tucked her under his tummy and went to sleep for about 15 minutes. Then Ted went off to play.

     Ted remembers and is missing his friend.