It’s the Holiday Season!

Time for a really tough, thought-provoking, potentially controversial question (I kid, I kid) – what is your favorite smell of the holiday season? The crisp smell of fresh, cold air? The outdoorsy smell of balsam from your Christmas tree? The comforting smell of cinnamon from cookies baking in the oven? The sweet smell of relief when the last item on the list has been wrapped (ha!)? Tell us your favorite smell of the season!

Peace is the skillful management of conflict. ~ Kenneth Boulding

 

“Praise God From Whom All Blessings Flow”

Praise God, from Whom all blessings flow;
Praise Him, all creatures here below;
Praise Him above, ye heavenly host;
Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost.
~Thomas Ken

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This famous song of gratitude was written by Thomas Ken in 1674. Originally part of a longer hymn, it was set to a traditional tune attributed to Louis Bourgeois (about 1515). Today it is one of the most well-known hymns of Thanksgiving.

Nothing is more honorable than a grateful heart. ~ Seneca

 

“We Thank Thee”

by Ralph Waldo Emerson

For flowers that bloom about our feet,
Father, we thank Thee.
For tender grass so fresh, so sweet,
Father we thank Thee.
For the song of bird and hum of bee,
For all things fair we hear or see,
Father in heaven, we thank Thee.
For blue of stream and blue of sky,
Father, we thank Thee.
For pleasant shade of branches high,
Father we thank Thee.
For beauty of the blooming trees,
Father in heaven, we thank Thee.
For this new morning with its light,
Father, we thank Thee.
For rest and shelter of the night,
Father, we thank Thee.
For health and food, for love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends,
Father in heaven , we thank Thee.

Thanksgiving Day is a jewel, to set in the hearts of honest men; but be careful that you do not take the day, and leave out the gratitude. ~ E.P. Powell

 

Well it’s November 2nd

We all know the importance of keeping a positive attitude, especially at this time of the year. But some days it’s hard to find the energy to “crank it up.” Here are a few suggestions you might want to try when your attitude needs a little boost. You’ll be surprised at the big difference a little change can make.

• Encourage and compliment someone who is not expecting it.
• Say something positive as early as possible tomorrow morning.
• Smile when you answer the phone. The caller will hear it in your voice.
• Improve your attitude by improving your posture.
• Arrive five minutes early for appointments.
• The next time you’re tempted to say, “It’ll never work,” say instead, “Who knows? It just might”

With that, brothers and sisters, I must say goodbye. Make sure that you improve. Accept my encouragement. Share the same attitude and live in peace. The God of love and peace will be with you. ~ 2 Corinthians 13:11 (God’s Word translation 1995)

 

A “taking it easy” day

It’s Labor Day! Let’s have a picnic! Let’s go to a ball game! Or, let’s just take it easy!

In the United States, Canada, and Puerto Rico, Labor Day is a national holiday. It is celebrated on the first Monday in September. Because of this, Labor Day has become a symbol of the end of summer.

The idea for Labor Day probably came from a carpenter names Peter McGuire. At a labor union meeting, McGuire suggested that a special day be set aside to honor working people. This new holiday was first observed in New York City on September 5, 1882.

Many countries celebrate a special day for working people. In New Zealand, this day is called Labour Day. It is celebrated on the fourth Monday in October. In Australia, the date of Labour Day, also called Eight-Hour Day, varies from state to state. And in Europe, many countries celebrate Labor Day on May 1.

Labor Day is often a time often a time for parades, picnics, and special events. But many working people like to use their special day as a time for “taking it easy.” ~ Angela Adams

There is, however, a limit at which forbearance ceases to be a virtue. ~ Edmund Burke

 

Remember…

that the more content you are with yourself, the fewer material things you need.

Riches come not from an abundance of worldly goods, but from a contented mind. ~ MOHAMMED