Enjoy the Holiday Music

There is nothing like music to lift our moods. Enjoy and Have a Blessed Holiday!

The player for the music is located at the very bottom of the page. Scroll down to stop the music or choose another song.

(You can change songs by clicking on each song listed.)

Closing One Book to Open Another

WOW! Here we are.... Closing the pages of 2008 and anticipating the unpublished, thoughtfully scripted pages of 2009!

This is my most favorite week of the year...

As I finish the 12 chapters of 2008, I'm excited to imagine the harvest of those seeds planted over the past year. So many changes taking place! December's been filled with more new beginnings than I could ever have imagined. Like a little kid at Christmas, I look forward to opening the gifts of the days, weeks and months ahead.

• Now, it is time to ponder, reflect and dream...
• Taking the time to edit myself...
• Writing down the ways I can improve my life...
• Sorting ideas to complete my vision...
• Considering which action steps bring me closer to that realization...
• Making plans to move in that direction...

As we allow our imagination to soar with the belief that all things are possible, we inspire ourselves (& others) to greater heights of accomplishment. We have the power within to create better circumstances and open doors previously unavailable.

Let us open our minds to the possibilites, seeking opportunities to demonstrate our precious talents and abilities - some just surfacing for the first time. May we enhance our feelings from the heart to love all of life unconditionally - expressing appreciation and gratitude.

Take charge! Accept responsibility for all actions - good and bad!

Move out of comfort zones to experience growth and stretch beyond past programs. Discover the path we came here to fulfill.

Gather the courage to be our own hero, to break down the walls of fear, and be all we can be. Draw from the Inner Source where all answers reside. With that inspiration and sense of competence in our God-given abilites, may we accept the motivation to propel our New Reality to greater heights.

Be the beacon of Light to brighten the consciousness of others. That is our assignment in this journey. Speak not - simply be a model of goodness... an inspiration to give others hope.

I look forward to sharing 2009 with YOU!

From the Heart...

Julie

Julie's Holiday Message

When we were children, we celebrated Christmas for 3 days. On the 23rd, Santa arrived at our house earlier than all the rest. Afterall, how could he get "everywhere" all in one night. There was always one package with a special hand-made Christmas dress. Of course, it was to be worn for the Christmas Eve program at church celebrating when Jesus arrived as a babe in a manger.

I remember we always received a bag of peanuts and candy after the program. Then off to Grandma & Grandpa's house. Oh, what heavenly smells, lots of packages, 30 plus family members and up until all hours of the night playing with the cousins.

The following day (Christmas Day) was held at the other grandparents... more food, gifts to open and special traditional memories.

Today, some 50 years later, my heart grows tender with those childhood memories, the love we shared and the simplicity of it all. As we grow older, and especially with today's financial strains, we say, "Christmas is for the kids." But is it really?

More than any other year, this year I felt the Spirit of the child in my grown-up body. So many have said, "Christmas is not about opening presents, it's more about opening our hearts - sharing our inner gifts." As so many have experienced the financial, emotional, social and physical traumas during 2008, I believe that statement has touched more lives than ever.

When we share from a child-like, non-judgmental, carefree heart, we realize the very special gifts that are around us every day of the year. In this message, I share these gifts with you from under the tree:

• The Gift of Love - Unconditional Love - the one where a heart keeps on giving love, NO MATTER WHAT.
• The Gift of Understanding - being mindful of varying beliefs and no one person or group is right or perfect.
• The Gift of Tender Kindness - always thinking first before speaking - not spitting out cutting, harmful words.
• The Gift of Belief - anything is possible, WHEN we believe it is - WHEN we feel the results before they appear.
• The Gift of Success - the realization of all you purposefully intend in 2009.

Remember, Christmas is not a date. It is a state of mind. Likewise the upcoming year of 2009 IS a state of mind. How one thinks, feels, acts & reacts will surely harvest the crop of the seeds that are being planted every moment of every day. Choose the quality and quantity of the upcoming crop harvest. You are the master of YOU. You are the creator of your own circumstances.

May the miracle of this Holiday season fill your heart with warmth and love. Merry Christmas & a VERY Happy New Year!

Julie

PS. For those of you who heard about Glenn's close encounter with death back in August due to Legionnaire's Disease.... He is doing much better - still a few residual affects with strained breathing and loss of muscle tone, but it sounds like some of that damage could be permanent. We are grateful to have him with us this holiday season!

Christmas Candles

A Christmas candle

is a lovely thing;

It makes no noise at all,

But softly gives itself away.

~Eva Logue

Imagine This...

Imagine what it must have been like... to be Joseph!
~~~~~~~~~~~

Joseph's Letter Home
A Christmas Story
by Dr. Ralph F. Wilson

Dear Mom,

We're still in Bethlehem--Mary and I and little Jesus. There were lots of things I couldn't talk to you about last summer. You wouldn't have believed me then, but maybe I can tell you now. I hope you can understand.

You know, Mom, I've always loved Mary. You and dad used to tease me about her when she was still a girl. She and her brothers used to play on our street. Our families got together for supper. But the hardest day of my life came scarcely a year ago when I was twenty and she only fifteen. You remember that day, don't you?

The trouble started after we were betrothed and signed the marriage agreement at our engagement. That same spring Mary had left abruptly to visit her old cousin Elizabeth in Judea. She was gone three whole months. After she got back, people started wondering out loud if she were pregnant.

It was cloudy the day when I finally confronted her with the gossip. "Mary," I asked at last, "are you going to have a baby?"

Her clear brown eyes met mine. She nodded.

I didn't know what to say. "Who?" I finally stammered.

Mom, Mary and I had never acted improperly--even after we were betrothed.

Mary looked down. "Joseph," she said. "There's no way I can explain. You couldn't understand. But I want you to know I've never cared for anyone but you." She got up, gently took my hands in hers, kissed each of them as if it were the last time she would ever do that again, and then turned towards home. She must have been dying inside. I know I was.

The rest of the day I stumbled through my chores. It's a wonder I didn't hurt myself in the woodshop. At first I was angry and pounded out my frustrations on the doorframe I was making.
My thoughts whirled so fast I could hardly keep my mind on my work. At last I decided just to end the marriage contract with a quiet divorce. I loved her too much to make a public scene.
I couldn't talk to you. Or anyone, for that matter. I went to bed early and tried to sleep. Her words came to me over and over. "I've never cared for anyone but you.... I've never cared for anyone but you...." How I wished I could believe her!

I don't know when I finally fell asleep. Mom, I had a dream from God. An angel of the Lord came to me. His words pulsated through my mind so intensely I can remember them as if it were yesterday.

"Joseph, son of David," he thundered, "do not fear to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit."

I couldn't believe my ears, Mom. This was the answer! The angel continued, "She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins."

The angel gripped my shoulders with his huge hands. For a long moment his gaze pierced deep within me. Just as he turned to go, I think I saw a smile on his shining face.

I sat bolt upright in bed. No sleep after that! I tossed about for a while, going over the words in my mind. Then I got up and dressed quietly so I wouldn't wake you.

I must have walked for miles beneath the moonless sky. Stars pricked the blackness like a thousand tiny pinpoints. A warm breeze blew on my face.

I sang to the Lord, Mom. Yes, me, singing, if you can imagine that. I couldn't contain my joy. I told Him that I would take Mary and care for her. I told Him I would watch over her--and the child--no matter what anyone said.

I got back just as the sun kissed the hilltops. I don't know if you still recall that morning, Mom. I can see it in my mind's eye as if it were yesterday. You were feeding the chickens, surprised to see me out. Remember?

"Sit down," I said to you. "I've got to tell you something." I took your arm and helped you find a seat on the big rock out back. "Mom," I said, "I'm going to bring Mary home as my wife. Can you help make a place for her things?"

You were silent a long time. "You do know what they're saying, don't you, son?" you said at last, your eyes glistening.

"Yes, Mom, I know."

Your voice started to rise. "If your father were still alive, he'd have some words, I'll tell you. Going about like that before you are married. Disgracing the family and all. You... you and Mary ought to be ashamed of yourselves!"

You'd never have believed me if I'd tried to explain, so I didn't. Unless the angel had spoken to you, you'd have laughed me to scorn.

"Mom, this is the right thing to do," I said.

And then I started talking to you as if I were the head of the house. "When she comes I don't want one word to her about it," I sputtered. "She's your daughter-in-law, you'll respect her. She'll need your help if she's to bear the neighbors' wagging tongues!"

I'm sorry, Mom. You didn't deserve that. You started to get up in a huff.

"Mom," I murmured, "I need you." You took my hand and got to your feet, but the fire was gone from your eyes.

"You can count on me, Joseph," you told me with a long hug. And you meant it. I never heard another word. No bride could hope for a better mother-in-law than you those next few months.
Mom, after I left you I went up the road to Mary's house and knocked. Her mother glared at me as she opened the door. Loudly, harshly she called into the house, "It's Joseph!" almost spitting out my name as she said it.

My little Mary came out cringing, as if she expected me give her the back of my hand, I suppose. Her eyes were red and puffy. I can just imagine what her parents had said.

We walked a few steps from the house. She looked so young and afraid. "Pack your things, Mary," I told her gently. "I'm taking you home to be my wife."

"Joseph!" She hugged me as tight as she could. Mom, I didn't realize she was so strong.
I told her what I'd been planning. "We'll go to Rabbi Ben-Ezer's house this week and have him perform the ceremony."

I know it was awfully sudden, Mom, but I figured the sooner we got married the better it would be for her, and me, and the baby.

"Mary, even if our friends don't come, at least you and I can pledge our love before God." I paused. "I think my Mom will be there. And maybe your friend Rebecca would come if her dad will let her. How about your parents?"

I could feel Mary's tiny frame shuddering as she sobbed quietly.

"Mary," I said. I could feel myself speaking more boldly. "No matter what anyone says about you, I'm proud you're going to be my wife. I'm going to take good care of you. I've promised God that."

She looked up.

I lowered my voice. "I had a dream last night, Mary. I saw an angel. I know."

The anguish which had gripped her face vanished. She was radiant as we turned away from the house and began to walk up the hill together.

Just then her mother ran out into the yard. "Wait," she called. She must have been listening from behind the door. Tears were streaming down her cheeks.

"I'll get your father," she called, almost giddy with emotion. "We," she cried as she gathered up her skirts. "We," she shouted as she began to run to find her husband. "We ... are going to have a wedding!"

That's how it was, Mom. Thanks for being there for us. I'll write again soon.

Love, Joseph

The Photo above was painted by Bartolomé Esteban Murillo (Spanish painter, 1617-1682), named The Holy Family with a Small Bird (c. 1650), Museo del Prado, Madrid.

It's That Time Again!

Once again we find ourselves enmeshed in the preparation of the Holiday Season...

That very special time of year when we share with our loved ones many century-old traditions...

Digging out the boxes of Christmas ornaments and decorative items from the garage rafters... baking cookies and looking up all the special recipes... those handed down for generations.

Oh, and then the shopping.... trying to find a parking space at the mall.... following the shopper with 2 carts of merchandise.... hoping to snag her parking spot as she leaves. You even get out of the car and help her unload her carts... Twenty minutes later, you're finally parked.

I wonder if that's how the Wise Men felt 2000 years ago following a star for days on end until they found their parking space.

There is a special satisfaction though once everything is done and you finally get to sit in front of that twinkling tree, gazing at the beauty of it all, writing addresses on the Christmas cards and knowing that you are giving from your heart... the greatest gift of all - LOVE!

Christmas Trivia

Here's some Christmas Trivia for you... See how many of your family or friends can answer these questions.

• Each year around Christmas time, what ballet is performed with the music of the same title composed by Tchaikovsky? (The Nutcracker Suite)
• What region of the United Kingdom had a traditional Christmas dinner of the head of a pig prepared with mustard? (England)
• What is the name of a savings account started around 1905 in which a person deposits a fixed amount of money regularly to be used at Christmas for shopping? (A Christmas Club Account)
• In America, the average number of Christmas cards mailed out by a household is how many? How many do they receive back? (28 Christmas cards are received as well as sent out.)
• Out of every 10 dogs, how many receive gifts at Christmas time? (7)
• What famous little book was written by Charles Dickens in 1843? (The Christmas Carol)
• In 1925, America named it's official national Christmas tree which is a giant 300 foot sequoia called the "General Grant Tree." Where is it located? (King's Canyon National Park in California).
• What was the first state to recognize Christmas as an official holiday in 1836? (Alabama)
• What state in the United States is the leading producer of Christmas trees. (Oregon - they grew 8.6 million in 1998.) What other states are leading producers? (California, Michigan, Washington, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and North Carolina.)

Story of Jesus Christ's Birth

According to Luke, this is the story accounting the birth of Jesus:

"About that time Caesar Augustus ordered a census to be taken throughout the Empire. This was the first census when Quirinius was the governor of Syria. Everyone had to travel to his hometown to be accounted for.

So Joseph went from the Galilean town of Nazareth up to Bethlehem in Judah, David's hometown, for the census. As a descendant of David he had to go there. He went with Mary, his fiancee, who was pregnant.

While they were there, the time came for her to give birth. She gave birth to a son, her firstborn. She wrapped Him in a blanket and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the hostel.

There were shepherds camping in the neighborhood. They had set night watches over their sheep. Suddenly, God's angel stood among them and God's glory blazed around them. They were terrified. The angel said, "Don't be afraid. I'm here to announce a great and joyful event that is meant for everybody worldwide: A Savior has just been born in David's town, a Savior who is Messiah and Master. This is what you're to look for: a baby wrapped in a blanket and lying in a manger."

At once the angel was joined by a huge angelic choir singing God's praises: "Glory to God in the heavenly heights; Peace to all men and women on earth who please Him."

As the angel choir withdrew into heaven, the shepherds talked it over. "Let's get over to Bethlehem as fast as we can and see for ourselves what God has revealed to us." They left, running, and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in the manger. Seeing was believing. They told everyone they met what the angels had said about this child. All who heard the shepherds were impressed.

Mary kept all these things to herself, holding them dear, deep within herself. The shepherds returned and let loose, glorifying and praising God for everything they had heard and seen. It turned out exactly the way they'd been told! ~ Luke 2:1-20