The Twelve Months of Christmas by Barbara Sybil
This beautiful poem was written by my friend, Barbara Sybil. She reminds us to keep the Spirit of Christmas around the year. Thank you for sharing with us, Barbara! The Twelve Months of Christmas by Barbara Sybil With Christmas being celebrated in December, I am reminded of Christ’s birth, and that He was born to save the world. When […]
Read moreHis Kind of Love: Show Kindness and Compassion
I had an individual I interacted with daily that was rude and very frustrating to deal with. I dreaded seeing this individual. But,God laid it on my heart to begin praying for her. I did so and in time I saw the hard exterior begin to fade away. She is now friendly and open when I see her. Ephesians 4:32 […]
Read moreThe Joy of Family
Today we will have the Christmas party for our residents. The day will be full of good food, music, presents and a visit from Santa. However, the best part of the party isn’t just for our residents, but also for their family members. After all, Christmas is all about family. Sometimes it isn’t easy spending time with family, whether it […]
Read moreJoseph, Witnesses the Birth of Jesus
Last week, we discussed the angel appearing to Joseph and he was obedient to take Mary as his wife. We now switch over to the book of Luke for the next part of the story. Luke 2 says , “And Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judaea, to the city of David, which […]
Read moreBenefits of Playing an Instrument
I began playing the piano at the age of four and have been a vocalist for decades. I’ve seen the positive benefits to both of these through the years. Whether I’m stressed, depressed, happy or biding time I turn to music. So what are some of the benefits of playing an instrument? 1. Reduces stress—stress is bad for […]
Read moreBehind the Christmas Song: Sweet Little Jesus Boy
Sweet Little Jesus Boy finds it’s roots in the African-American spirituals. The song was written by Robert MacGimsey. According to legend, MacGimsey left the midnight Christmas Eve service he’d been attending that cold night in 1932’s New York City. Walking the final blocks to his one room apartment, he passed the open doors of a private club. Glancing inside he […]
Read moreHe Who Has Not Christmas in His Heart
His Kind of Love: Love is a Choice
I had a very painful situation occur several years ago. The love I felt for a friend was not returned. When he rejected me our friendship ended in a very dramatic and painful way. Gary Chapman said “Love is a choice.” We have a choice how we love others, but it doesn’t have to be in a romantic manner. We can […]
Read moreFinding Joy in Christmas
At work we had seven trees to put up this year. Decorating a nursing home is no simple task and I am thankful I don’t have to decorate alone. I have volunteers that come in and help cut the decorating time in half. This year the entire process from pulling everything out of storage to decorating to returning the boxes […]
Read moreJoseph, the Obedient
Last week we discovered how righteous of a man Joseph was. He decided that he would quietly put Mary away privately. However, God had a different plan he was about to reveal to Joseph. In Matthew 1:20 “ But when he thought on these things, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared unto him in a dream, saying, Joseph, thou son […]
Read moreMusic unlocks Alzheimers
Working with Alzheimer’s patients on a daily basis I constantly see the effects music has on those suffering from dementia and Alzheimer’s. A couple of my favorite stories include: 1. The lady that had terrible flashbacks. Yet, I could calm her with music. She may not remember family members but she could sing the words to many hymns and oldies […]
Read moreBehind the Christmas Song: O Come O Come Emmanuel
The words and music of “O Come O Come Emmanuel” developed separately. The original text, which was in Latin, was first documented in 1710 in Germany. The tune has it’s origins in 15th Century France. In the early church something called O Anitphons were used. An antiphon is a response by the choir or congregation and used in the form […]
Read moreBook Review: The Twelve Days of Christmas
Once again Debbie Macomber has a hit on her hands with her Christmas book, The Twelve Days of Christmas. Julie Padden tries to get along with everyone, but her neighbor Cain Maddox presents a particular challenge. He is rude to her at every turn and tries her patience. Julia starts a blog called The Twelve Days of Christmas and attempts […]
Read moreHis Kind of Love: Love Means Discipline
I’ve shared openly about my struggle to lose weight. One of the biggest lessons I have learned in my journey is to develop a discipline in my eating patterns. Is this easy? Absolutely not! I struggle and keep working every day to make the changes that are needed. However, I’ve discovered I cannot make these changes on these own. I’ve […]
Read moreJesus is the Reason for the Season on Pinterest
God’s Provisions
About two weeks ago, I was on a business trip when my car began to smoke. I pulled over on the side of the interstate while other vehicles whizzed past. While sitting there waiting for my car to stop smoking I debated with what to do. “Help me, Lord. I need guidance.” I prayed over and over. I heard no […]
Read moreJoseph, the Righteous
Last week, we were introduced to Joseph, the husband of Mary. We know that Joseph was betrothed to Mary when the spirit came upon her and she was with child. Matthew 1:18-25 tells us the story of Mary, Joseph and the conception of Jesus. So, what are we told? 18 When his mother Mary had been betrothed to Joseph, before […]
Read moreMusic Reduces Stress
Did you know that listening to music reduces stress? Music is one of the best stress reducers that exists. So, how does music reduce stress? Lowers heart rate Lowers blood pressure Calms nerves Helps to relax Quiets the mind Lifts our spirits and mood Reduces burnout Releases tension Reduces pain How have you used music to reduce stress?
Read moreBehind the Christmas Song: What Child Is This?
What Child is This? was written by William Chatterton Dix in 1865 in England. Dix worked as a manager for an insurance company before being afflicted with a severe illness that left him bedridden and severely depressed. This near death experience brought about a spiritual renewal in him while he was recovering. During his recovery he would read the Bible […]
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