Merry Christmas

   Dearest Children,

     In the midst of all the gifts and Christmas treats, may you always keep in mind the true meaning of this very special time. May the Good Lord bless you always with a warm place to lay your head and family or friends to love. Merry Christmas!

The First

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night.
And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them: and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not: for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.
And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in a manger.
And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men. Luke 2: 8-14

Twas The Night Before Christmas

Twas the Night Before Christmas

A Visit from St. Nicholas

By Clement C. Moore





Twas the night before Christmas, when all through the house
Not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse;
The stockings were hung by the chimney with care
In hopes that St. Nicholas soon would be there;

The children were nestled all snug in their beds,
While visions of sugar-plums danced in their heads;
And mamma in her kerchief, and I in my cap,
Had just settled our brains for a long winter's nap,

When out on the lawn there arose such a clatter,
I sprang from the bed to see what was the matter.
Away to the window I flew like a flash,
Tore open the shutters and threw up the sash.







The moon on the breast of the new-fallen snow
Gave the lustre of mid-day to objects below,
When, what to my wondering eyes should appear,
But a miniature sleigh, and eight tiny reindeer,

With a little old driver, so lively and quick,
I knew in a moment it must be St. Nick.
More rapid than eagles his coursers they came,
And he whistled, and shouted, and called them by name:




Now, Dasher! now, Dancer! now, Prancer and Vixen!
On, Comet! on, Cupid! on, Donder and Blitzen!
To the top of the porch! to the top of the wall!
Now dash away! dash away! dash away all!"

As dry leaves that before the wild hurricane fly,
When they meet with an obstacle, mount to the sky;
So up to the house-top the coursers they flew,
With the sleigh full of Toys, and St. Nicholas too.




And then, in a twinkling, I heard on the roof
The prancing and pawing of each little hoof.
As I drew in my head, and was turning around,
Down the chimney St. Nicholas came with a bound.

He was dressed all in fur, from his head to his foot,
And his clothes were all tarnished with ashes and soot;
A bundle of Toys he had flung on his back,
And he looked like a peddler just opening his pack.

His eyes—how they twinkled! his dimples how merry!
His cheeks were like roses, his nose like a cherry!
His droll little mouth was drawn up like a bow,
And the beard of his chin was as white as the snow;

The stump of a pipe he held tight in his teeth,
And the smoke it encircled his head like a wreath;
He had a broad face and a little round belly,
That shook when he laughed, like a bowlful of jelly.

He was chubby and plump, a right jolly old elf,
And I laughed when I saw him, in spite of myself;
A wink of his eye and a twist of his head,
Soon gave me to know I had nothing to dread;

He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work,
And filled all the stockings; then turned with a jerk,
And laying his finger aside of his nose,
And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose;

He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle,
And away they all flew like the down of a thistle.
But I heard him exclaim, ere he drove out of sight,
"Happy Christmas to all, and to all a good-night."

The Quick Thinking School Principal

Did you see the story about the 5 or 6 year old who was sent home from school - suspended for the most serious of crimes against one of his classmates?
Yes, it seems this youngster was so smitten with one of the little girls in class - he held her little hand and had the audacity to Kiss Her Right Smack On the Cheek!

One can't help but congratulate the quick-thinking school administrator for promptly suspending this young rule-breaker. Apparently this horrendous atrocity is called sexual harassment in that school. And we can only admire the school board or other administration folks who set forth this policy. Let us give them all big raises and even greater pension plan benefits than they already undoubtedly enjoy.

Or perhaps the good folks in that community could SUSPEND the Administrator(s) for displaying a total and complete lack of common sense. Do you suppose the young criminal's parents were forced to explain the meaning of sexual harassment to their child?

Life Lessons

"Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and the ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter; for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.



Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans. Keep interested in your own career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time. Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery. But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals; and everywhere life is full of heroism. Be yourself. Especially, do not feign affection. Neither be cynical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it i s as perennial as the grass. Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth. Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings. Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.

Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself. You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars; you have a right to be here. And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should. Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be, and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul. With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be cheerful. Strive to be happy."

a poem by Max Ehrmann in 1927

Autumn Fun

GirlFriends

Dear Son,

How to treat your girlfriend -

Summer Vacation

Summer vacation time!

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Let the heavens rejoice, and let the earth be glad; let the sea roar, and the fulness thereof.

Let the field be joyful, and all that is therein: then shall all the trees of the wood rejoice

Before the Lord: for he cometh, for he cometh to judge the earth: he shall judge the world with righteousness, and the people with his truth.
Psalm 96: 11-13
King James Version (KJV)

Happy Is

Dear Children, Whatever you do - find a way to be happy!

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The Graduate

Tips to Help You Be Happy and Enjoy Life More

What is your child doing this Summer? Do you remember your best Summer(s)? Were they spent in front of a TV? Or did you head outside and have fun outdoors?

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Summer Fun List

Play in the Sunshine

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Enjoy a big slice of watermelon. Eat healthy and enjoy a plate full of fruit!

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Enjoy nature's beauty.... Try something new..
Take in a sunset.

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Enjoy an ice-cold popsicle!

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Dance like no one's watching!

Prayer for Today

Dear God, Thank You for all our loved ones. Thank You for the men and women who gave their lives to protect our freedom. in Jesus name we pray... Amen

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Think You Can

Here's to you .... May every day be your perfect day!

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Summer!

Dear God,

Thank You for Summer!

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