Pray for Peace

My heart breaks for those who were hurt or lost loved ones in these cowardly attacks. 
I pray for all touched by these senseless acts of violence. For France, their government, for their police, fireman, and paramedics  And for all those brave men and women who deal with these situations on a day to day basis in our military and others around the world.

May this tragedy bring us all closer together, strengthening our bond so that evil cannot win!

AMEN!

Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Happy Easter!

Hope everyone has a Wonderful and Blessed Easter!

It was a beautiful day here in Spring today, although it started off a bit chilly. I finally got around to washing off the front porch that was covered in layers of yellow pollen. Gosh, I hate that stuff. Now I can't wait to start planting new flowers and get everything ready so I can sit outside and enjoy the great outdoors.

With signs of spring in the air and Easter right around the corner, I've been thinking about the origin of the so called Easter Bunny. Where on earth did this come from? A bunny who delivers eggs? Seriously?  I’ve never heard it explained and after asking several people who gave me that “I have no idea” look I decided to Google it. Very interesting subject.

It appears that this tradition dates back as far as the 1600s in Alsace and Southwestern Germany. The German settlers introduced this legendary character when they arrived in Pennsylvania during the 1700s. Edible Easter Bunnies were made in the shape of sugary pastries in Germany during the 1800s as a part of their Easter celebration where tales were told of the “Easter hare” who laid eggs for the children to find.

Another story links the Easter Bunny to an ancient Pagan legend where Goddess Eostre rescued a wounded bird in a snowy forest during the winter season and turned it into a rabbit to help it survive the chilly winter. Hence the reason the rabbit still can lay eggs. (Well now that makes sense) To show its gratitude for being saved, the rabbit then decorated its eggs in bright colors to present to the deity every spring.

I find it fascinating how traditions and customs are started and how they evolve over the years. I know I’ve enjoyed more than my share over the years of watching the kid’s eyes light up when they see that the Easter Bunny’s made a visit. Now it's the frustration on their faces as they search and search. We make them work for those eggs now. LOL

Amongst the fun and excitement, my hope for everyone this year is that the true and glorious reason we celebrate Easter will touch your heart in a very special way.

“Jesus told him, ‘I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one can come to the Father except through me.’” (John 14:6 NLT)

I don't know about you, but spending time with my family, enjoying the beautiful weather and knowing that no matter what happens, our future is safe and secure forever in the one who gave the ultimate gift puts an extra skip in my step.  Not to mention a whole lot of love in my heart. :)

Love Conquers All

As I sit and write this difficult post, I'm still trying to make sense out of the tragedy in Connecticut at the Sandy Hook Elementary school. There are no words to express the sadness, the pain in my heart and soul, or the anger I feel over the loss of all those innocent beautiful lives.

Evil is very real in this world. That is the one truth in all of this. Take away every single weapon known to man, and evil will still find a way to corrupt the weak and hurt the innocent. Hope for a better world resides within us all. Love each other, help each other in times of crisis, and continue to fight for what is right, remembering those who suffer losses like this.

A truth I will forever hold onto:

Evil will not win.
Not today.
Not tomorrow.
Not ever.

I dedicate this post to these brave souls, young and old, who died on Friday, December 14.

Dawn Hochsprung - Principal
Victoria Soto - Teacher
Mary Sherlach - School Psychologist
Noah Pozner 6
Emilie Alice Parker 6
Grace McDonnell 7
Olivia Engel 6
Charlotte Bacon 6
Daniel Barden 7
Josephine Gay 7
Ana Grace Marquez-Greene 6
Dylan Hockley 6
Madeline Hsu 6
Catherine Hubbard 6
Chase Kowalski 7
Jesse Lewis 6
James Mattioli 6
Jack Pinto 6
Caroline Previdi 6
Jessica Rekos 6
Avielle Richman 6
Benjamin Wheeler 6
Allison Wyatt 6
Rachel Davino - Teacher
Anne Marie Murphy - Teacher
Lauren Rousseau - Teacher
Nancy Lanza - Mother

Matthew 19:14
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Isaiah 41:10 - 
'Do not fear, for I am with you; Do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, surely I will help you, Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.'

Revelation 21:4 -
and He shall wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there shall no longer be any death; there shall no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away."

My prayers are with the families left behind, the first responders, the school, and the community. May they find peace, comfort and healing in the Lord's awesome embrace.

Love and Hugs to you all!

'Tis the Season to be Jolly



 

 

 

Or so they say.

Out of all the months of the year, December has to be the toughest time for most people to be jolly. The stress of shopping, of finding that perfect gift for the hard to buy for, but oh so loved, relative. The traffic. Oh, my the traffic. This is the worst part for me. And then there is the long holiday break with the kids out of school. Keeping them busy and out of my hair so I can finish up the last minute details really pulls on those last threads of sanity. Somebody, anybody, please take me away!

But you know, the more I'm out and about this year, I'm finding people smiling and spreading the Christmas cheer where ever I go. I've heard frowning causes wrinkles and who wants those? Certainly not me. LOL

So smile even when you don't feel like it and I bet before you know it, the day will turn around and you won't even have to think about it anymore. Here's to spreading some cheer of my own this holiday season. :)

A few quotes to get you started:

“Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened.” 
― Dr. Seuss

“Everytime you smile at someone, it is an action of love, a gift to that person, a beautiful thing.”
― Mother Teresa

"Beauty is power; a smile is its sword.”
― John Ray
 

"Smile, it is the key that fits the lock of everybody's heart.”
― Anthony J. D'Angelo

 But most of all smile and enjoy each and every day, because you are loved awesomely! :)

Merry Christmas!!!