Today, I invite you to visit One Foot Out of The Box. A perfect prayer to begin this week of Thanksgiving. Thank you Dee.
According to Webster’s Dictionary the definition of Happy is
“enjoying or characterized by well being and contentment” ”glad, pleased, friendly” “enthusiastic about something to point of obsession”
The definition of Holidays is
“day one is exempt from work” “holy day” “a period of relief”
In today’s society, Thanksgiving and Christmas have turned into a frenzy full of gotta have it, hustle, bustle, me first, early bird sales nixed with long lines, and praise for the almighty buck.
This past weekend, in preparation for Thanksgiving dinner at my home, I did a major cleaning and put up my Christmas tree, Precious Moments nativity set, decorated the fireplace mantel with greenery and Santas and lights, puffed up the Christmas pillows, brought out my beloved Christmas books, stocked up on Holiday magazines, and lovingly wrapped all the pictures hanging on the walls. Now most people think it is WAY TOO EARLY!!!! But not me…for in my life Happy Holidays means
-no shopping the day after Thanksgiving, but spending all day, in my jammies, relaxing, reading, watching favorite movies and reflecting on how much gratitude I have for the loved ones and small things in my life
-turning off all the table lamps and plugging in the Christmas lights and just AHHHHHHHHHing through the evening…
-not only having a day off from work but a day off from the frantic shoppers who act like maniacs…to me there is not one material item that is worth getting up at 3 am, waiting in line for 2 hours and running a race to get the sale price on
-enjoying the peace and quiet of being at home shopping online and being content that I may not get the best sale prices but I will still have my life intact
and most importantly…
-putting Jesus first, above all else, for He is almighty and unlike a dollar or a bargain which vanishes at year’s end, He is a permanent gift in my life, everyday, all ways and always.
On my fireplace mantel is one more thing…a simple thing…a reminder of sorts…one word…
Believe…
As a child, I believed in Santa. He was the essence of the Holiday season. He was what put the sparkle in happy. He was the one who caused me to stay awake due to the never ending excitement.
As an adult, I still believe in Santa’s spirit but I have been swept up in believing in Jesus Christ. Now He has sweetened the essence with His perfume. He makes the sparkle of happiness shine brighter than the sun through His goodness and grace. And when stress and strife enter in, He brings peace allowing me to sleep soundly. But the excitement of life is always evident in the glorious moments He paints throughout my day.
Happy Holidays! Today a politically correct phrase used in lieu of Merry Christmas so as not to offend. But surprisingly, is is about the holiness of the season. For many do not realize that Holiday also means Holy Day. Coincidence? I believe not. For God would not let politics nor materialism overshadow the birth of His Son.
And neither will I…
Happy Thanksgiving, Happy Holy Days and an early Merry Christmas!
J
Annie
I originally posted this at my health blog my.sparkpeople.com/TIME4ANEWME47 but felt a need to let everyone know that her actions don’t necessarly jive with her words…so be forewarned if you are a fan, this may have you rethinking…
Ok, so I admit it, somedays I do live in a cave!!!! For the last few weeks, I have been working out with Jillian Michaels per ONDEMAND and gotten great results. Matter of fact, I went out Friday and purchased 3 of her Biggest Loser DVD’s. I have also HIGHLY recommended her to people at work who have commented on my weight loss. However, I just learned she is now “making losing weight simple”-taken from her website-with a line of DIET PILLS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I feel like someone just slapped me in the face with a brick!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am astounded that once again a celebrity has become greedy and is advocating a product that may help jump start weight loss but at what cost? Her website even states…”There are no gimmicks or get-skinny-quick schemes here-we’re talking about fitness for life! You’re going to have to tackle three hurdles before you can finally get fit: you need to get support, eat right and exercise!” Yet, mind blowing to me, she is selling diet pills in her product section!
One of the ingredients, in her Maximum Strength Fat Burner is Alpha-Lipoic-Acid. Some side effects include nausea, stomach upset, potential lowering of blood sugar, possible heart palpitations and atrial fibrillation. Another ingredient is guarana, a substance containing high doses of caffeine. It has not been evaluated by the FDA, can cause serious allergic reactions, irregular heartbeats or chest pain, insomnia, headaches, loss of appetite, heartburn, upset stomach and anxiety. Also, highly recommended, in taking this substance, is constant monitoring from a doctor. And Jillian states, on her website, these ingredients are “a unique blend of natural compounds.”
Natural…my foot!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOO disappointed in this woman, who I was led to believe had lost weight and was helping those of us, me included, lose weight by living healthy without supplements!
I will continue to use her DVD’s because I know they work. But I have lost a HUGE amount of respect for her. I have chosen a healthy lifestyle with no more excuses and just doing it! Why couldn’t she?
Weight in August: 171 lbs Pant Size: 16 Shirt Size: Large
Weight Today#: 155 lbs Pant Size: 10 Shirt Size: Small
J
Annie
Soldier’s Creed:
I am an American Soldier. I am a Warrior and a member of a team. I serve the people of the United States and live the Army Values. I will always place the mission first. I will never accept defeat. I will never quit. I will never leave a fallen comrade. I am disciplined, physically and mentally tough. I am trained and proficient in my warrior tasks and drills. I always maintain my arms, my equipment and myself. I am an expert and I am a professional. I stand ready to deploy, engage, and destroy the enemies of the United States of America in close combat. I am a guardian of freedom and the American way of life. I am an American Soldier.
Sailor’s Creed:
I am a United States Sailor. I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States of America and I will obey the orders of those appointed over me. I represent the fighting spirit of the Navy and all who have gone before me to defend freedom and democracy around the world. I proudly serve my country’s Navy combat team with Honor, Courage and Commitment . I am committed to excellence and the fair treatment of all.
Airman’s Creed:
I am an American Airman. I am a Warrior. I have answered my Nation’s call. I am an American Airman. My mission is to Fly, Fight, and Win. I am faithful to a Proud Heritage, a Tradition of Honor, and a Legacy of Valor. I am an American Airman. Guardian of Freedom and Justice, my Nation’s Sword and Shield, Its Sentry and Avenger. I defend my Country with my Life. I am an American Airman. Wingman, Leader, Warrior. I will never leave an Airman behind, I will never falter, and I will not fail.
and lastly…
The Marine Prayer
Almighty Father, whose command is over all and whose love never fails, make me aware of Thy presence and obedient to Thy will. Keep me true to my best self, guarding me against dishonesty in purpose and deed and helping me to live so that I can face my fellow Marines, my loved ones, and Thee without shame or fear. Protect my family. Give me the will to do the work of a Marine and to accept my share of responsibilities with vigor and enthusiasm. Grant me the courage to be proficient in my daily performance. Keep me loyal and faithful to my superiors and to the duties my Country and the Marine Corps have entrusted to me. Help me to wear my uniform with dignity, and let it remind me daily of the traditions which I must uphold. If I am inclined to doubt, steady my faith; if I am tempted, make me strong to resist; if I should miss the mark, give me courage to try again. Guide me with the light of truth and grant me wisdom by which I may understand the answer to my prayer.
Thank you is not enough for those guardians who have made a conscious choice to fight for freedom, sacrifice their lives, guard the shores of America, brave the raging storms of battle, leave families and loved ones behind, and proudly defend our country.
These men and women should have more than one day of recognition. And all should be profusely thanked for the burden they so valiantly carry.
So…this post is dedicated to all who have served, who are serving, who died as they fought, who came home showing the ravages of war, who have served and who continue to join the ranks of a not so popular way of life, but a way of life that has afforded freedom, liberty for all, and peace on our shores.
It is not enough, too simple, but gratefully felt from the bottom of my heart…
Thank you…on this Veteran’s day and every day.
J
Annie
Reflecting back a person who is not recognized…
At least not till a second glance…
When slowly she comes into focus,
Her brown hair cut short to accent a leaner face.
Her clothes, no longer baggy, but emphasizing a firmer torso.
Her eyes glowing with energy.
Finally, acknowledgement of the woman she has become…
After losing 15 pounds…
Still more work to be done,
But the battle is slowly being won.
J
Annie
