topic Re: Daily Positive Thread for the Christmas Week in Community Chat

Daily Positive Thread for the Christmas Week

gloriajean — Sun, 21 Dec 2014 00:56:50 GMT

Merry Christmas, my friends!!! Thanks for all your posts on the last thread, beautiful graphics, beautiful words, all so warms my heart!! Juanita, Fr. Jerry gave me "Jesus Calling" for our 50th Anniversary - I'm surprised and pleased you have it too! It's going along with us to Texas! I just have to trust in God with everything because He's in control - He knows we are counting on Him for safe travels etc. - thanks much for all your prayers for us. Let's keep this thread going all the while I'm gone - I will be on this all week with something to say, I'm sure, and I'll be praying for you all!!

God be with you and Merry Christmas!!

When your burden seems heavier than usual, know that your blessings

are more than usual. Lord, I call on you for the strength, the wisdom

and the confidence that I will need today.

Scripture for the day:

"When they saw him walking on the sea, they thought it was a ghost and cried

out; for they all saw him and were terrified. But immediately he spoke to

them and said, 'Take heart, it is I; do not be afraid.'" ~Mark 6:49-50

Meditation for the day:

I can take the most crowded day without fear. I believe that God is with me

and controlling all. I can let confidence be the motif running through all

the crowded day. I need not be worried, because I know that God is my

helper. Underneath are the everlasting arms of God. I can rest in them,

even though the day be full of things crowding in upon me.

Prayer for the day:

I pray that I may be calm and let nothing upset me. I pray that I may not

let material things control me and choke out spiritual things

SANTA, CAN YOU VISIT MY GRANDDAUGHTER?

Author Unknown

Three years ago, a little boy and his grandmother came to see Santa at

Mayfair Mall in Wisconsin. The child climbed up on his lap, holding a

picture of a little girl.

"Who is this?" asked Santa, smiling. "Your friend? Your sister?"

"Yes, Santa," he replied. "My sister, Sarah, who is very sick," he

said sadly.

Santa glanced over at the grandmother who was waiting nearby, and saw

her dabbing her eyes with a tissue.

"She wanted to come with me to see you, oh, so very much, Santa!" the

child exclaimed. "She misses you," he added softly.

Santa tried to be cheerful and encouraged a smile to the boy's face,

asking him what he wanted Santa to bring him for Christmas.

When they finished their visit, the Grandmother came over to help the

child off his lap, and started to say something to Santa, but halted.

"What is it?" Santa asked warmly.

"Well, I know it's really too much to ask you, Santa, but ..." the old

woman began, shooing her grandson over to one of Santa's elves to

collect the little gift which Santa gave all his young visitors.

"...The girl in the photograph .. My granddaughter . Well, you see ...

She has leukemia and isn't expected to make it even through the

holidays," she said through tear-filled eyes. "Is there any way,

Santa . Any possible way that you could come see Sarah? That's all

she's asked for, for Christmas, is to see Santa."

Santa blinked and swallowed hard and told the woman to leave

information with his elves as to where Sarah was, and he would see

what he could do.

Santa thought of little else the rest of that afternoon. He knew what

he had to do.

"What if it were MY child lying in that hospital bed, dying," he

thought with a sinking heart, "this is the least I can do."

When Santa finished visiting with all the boys and girls that evening,

he retrieved from his helper the name of the hospital where Sarah was

staying.

He asked the assistant location manager how to get to Children's

Hospital.

"Why?" Rick asked, with a puzzled look on his face.

Santa relayed to him the conversation with Sarah's grandmother earlier

that day.

"C'mon .... I'll take you there," Rick said softly.

Rick drove them to the hospital and came inside with Santa. They found

out which room Sarah was in. A pale Rick said he would wait out in the

hall.

Santa quietly peeked into the room through the half-closed door and

saw little Sarah on the bed.

The room was full of what appeared to be her family; there was the

Grandmother and the girl's brother he had met earlier that day. A

woman whom he guessed was Sarah's mother stood by the bed, gently

pushing Sarah's thin hair off her forehead. And another woman who he

discovered later was Sarah's aunt, sat in a chair near the bed with

weary, sad look on her face. They were talking quietly, and Santa

could sense the warmth and closeness of the family, and their love and

concern for Sarah.

Taking a deep breath, and forcing a smile on his face, Santa entered

the room, bellowing a hearty, "Ho, ho, ho!"

"Santa!" shrieked little Sarah weakly, as she tried to escape her bed

to run to him, IV tubes intact.

Santa rushed to her side and gave her a warm hug. A child the tender

age of his own son -- 9 years old -- gazed up at him with wonder and

excitement.

Her skin was pale and her short tresses bore telltale bald patches

from the effects of chemotherapy. But all he saw when he looked at her

was a pair of huge, blue eyes. His heart melted, and he ad to force

himself to choke back tears. Though his eyes were riveted upon Sarah's

face, he could hear the gasps and quiet sobbing of the women in the

room.

As he and Sarah began talking, the family crept quietly to the bedside

one by one, squeezing Santa's shoulder or his hand gratefully,

whispering "thank you" as they gazed sincerely at him with shining

eyes.

Santa and Sarah talked and talked, and she told him excitedly all the

toys she wanted for Christmas, assuring him she'd been a very good

girl that year.

As their time together dwindled, Santa felt led in his spirit to pray

for Sarah, and asked for permission from the girl's mother. She nodded

in agreement and the entire family circled around Sarah's bed, holding

hands.

Santa looked intensely at Sarah and asked her if she believed in

angels.

"Oh, yes, Santa ... I do!" she exclaimed.

"Well, I'm going to ask that angels watch over you," he said.

Laying one hand on the child's head, Santa closed his eyes and prayed.

He asked that God touch little Sarah, and heal her body from this

disease. He asked that angels minister to her, watch and keep her. And

when he finished praying, still with eyes closed, he started singing

softly,

"Silent Night, Holy Night ... all is calm, all is bright."

The family joined in, still holding hands, smiling at Sarah, and

crying tears of hope, tears of joy for this moment, as Sarah beamed at

them all. When the song ended, Santa sat on the side of the bed again

and held Sarah's frail, small hands in his own.

"Now, Sarah," he said authoritatively, "you have a job to do, and that

is to concentrate on getting well. I want you to have fun playing with

your friends this summer, and I expect to see you at my house at

Mayfair Mall this time next year!"

He knew it was risky proclaiming that, to this little girl who had

terminal cancer, but he "had" to. He had to give her the greatest gift

he could -- not dolls or games or toys -- but the gift of HOPE.

"Yes, Santa!" Sarah exclaimed, her eyes bright.

He leaned down and kissed her on the forehead and left the room.

Out in the hall, the minute Santa's eyes met Rick's, a look passed

between them and they wept unashamed.

Sarah's mother and grandmother slipped out of the room quickly and

rushed to Santa's side to thank him.

"My only child is the same age as Sarah," he explained quietly. "This

is the least I could do."

They nodded with understanding and hugged him.

One year later, Santa Mark was again back on the set in Milwaukee for

his six-week, seasonal job which he so loves to do. Several weeks went

by and then one day a child came up to sit on his lap.

"Hi, Santa! Remember me?!"

"Of course, I do," Santa proclaimed (as he always does), smiling down

at her. After all, the secret to being a "good" Santa is to always

make each child feel as if they are the "only" child in the world at

that moment.

"You came to see me in the hospital last year!"

Santa's jaw dropped. Tears immediately sprang in his eyes, and he

grabbed this little miracle and held her to his chest.

"Sarah!" he exclaimed.

He scarcely recognized her, for her hair was long and silky and her

cheeks were rosy -- much different from the little girl he had visited

just a year before.

He looked over and saw Sarah's mother and grandmother in the sidelines

smiling and waving and wiping their eyes.

That was the best Christmas ever for Santa Claus. He had witnessed --

and been blessed to be instrumental in bringing about -- this miracle

of hope. This precious little child was healed. Cancer-free. Alive and

well. He silently looked up to Heaven and humbly whispered,

"Thank you, Father. 'Tis a very, Merry Christmas!"

THE CHRISTMAS GIFT

Written by Arlene Spanos 2006 (revised 2010)

T’was eight centuries before Christ came to the earth,

The Holy Scriptures foretold of the Messiah’s Birth.

The world was in peril with distress and gloom,

Far and wide there was destruction and doom.

People were lost - they were deaf, blind and dumb;

God promised a Savior one day would come.

The prophesies gave the details of His Birth,

It was certain He’d come to transform the earth.

He’d be born of a virgin, laid in a manger with hay,

Then His Hands and Feet pierced on His final day.

It was told where He’d be born and His Ancestral Line,

He would be King of Kings, completely Divine.

An angel told Mary that she would be the one

To give birth to God’s Child, His Only Begotten Son.

The Lord had a purpose for which He came;

God would be with us – Immanuel, His Name;

Mankind would learn about peace, hope, and joy;

It would all come about in this small Baby Boy.

He was the Prince of Peace, a real Beacon of Light;

Reverent and Righteous; He taught wrong from right.

He came to restore us and showed us to care

And to help one another; He taught us to share.

Many followed and listened to all that He said.

Hearts and lives changed as their souls had been fed.

His Wisdom was divine, far beyond what they’d known;

Many traveled great distance; crowds really had grown.

He was a Humble Servant as He showed us pure love.

He taught us to know our Heavenly Father above.

He was Holy and Sinless, never even told a lie.

He was mocked, and beaten, then crucified to die.

Folks were amazed and confused with all that went on,

They didn’t understand…until He was gone.

He made the sacrifice for our debt to be paid.

For upon Him all of our sins had been laid.

He was Goodness and Grace and came to relieve

The wretched grasp of satan to all who believe.

He was God as a Man to His last dying breath,

Then rose from the dead with His power over death.

This all actually happened, it isn’t folklore.

He told us of Heaven and showed us there’s more.

Christ had come to save the souls on earth,

He offers deliverance and a second birth.

We call Him Jesus and He is with us today;

He is Lord of all Lords and He is the Way.

He’s the Counselor, Comforter, Redeemer and Friend,

He Reigns over all; His Rule never will end.

We celebrate His Birth and all that it means

With songs and displays of Nativity scenes.

His Amazing Grace is the actual reason

That we recognize and rejoice this season.

Again this year we celebrate His Holy Birth;

Merry Christmas to all and to all Peace On Earth!

Christmas Recipe !

1/2 cup of Hugs

4 teaspoons kisses

4 cups of Love

1 cup of Holiday Cheer

1/2 cup of Peace on Earth

3 teaspoons of Christmas Cheer

2 cups of Goodwill Towards Men

1 Sprig of Mistletoe

1 Medium size bag of Christmas Snowflakes

Mix Hugs, Kisses, Smiles, and Love until consistent.

Blend in Holiday Cheer, Peace on Earth,

Christmas Spirit and Goodwill Toward Men.

Use the mixture to fill a large, warm heart where it

can be stored for a lifetime, for it never goes bad!

Serve as desired under Mistletoe, sprinkle liberally with

Christmas Snowflakes

it is especially good when accompanied by Christmas

carols and family get-together.

Serve to one and all!

May God keep you in His loving arms and I pray Jesus walks beside you as you walk the path way God has placed you on. And I pray the Holy Ghost fills you with the Wisdom and the Knowledge to complete all God has placed on your plate each day.

Christmas in prison..

Sister Maurella Schlise, a Catholic nun from Fargo, South Dakota, was spending

the holidays with her family in Florida, and planning a visit to a nearby maximum

security prison on Christmas Eve. "My sister Rosemary and her husband conduct

a weekly prayer meeting there, and they invited me along," Sister says. Although

visitors are not allowed to bring food to the prison, the rules had been relaxed

for Christmas. Rosemary planned to fill little bags with homemade cookies

and candy for the men. For many, it would be their only gift.

That morning, Sister Maurella attended mass. She was thinking about the

inmates, wondering if they could actually experience Christmas behind bars,

when she sensed God's presence, and a message. "Bring one hundred

bags to the prison," it seemed to say.

One hundred! That seemed far too many for Rosemary's usual group of 30 or 40 men. Had the words just been Sister's imagination? Sister talked it over with Rosemary. "Well..." Rosemary decided, "It's a lot, but I'd rather have too many than not enough."

The women spent the day filling one hundred white bags with goodies, then

carefully packed the car. As they came through the prison gates, the chaplain

flagged them down. "The chapel is packed!" he exclaimed. Sister was glad

they had brought extras.

Instead of Rosemary and Pat conducting a meeting, they were surprised to discover

that the convicts themselves had prepared a Christmas program. An inmate with a vibrant voice sang the poignant story of the Little Drummer Boy. Another did the Ave Maria. Several read inspirational pieces, and some prayed. The chapel was hushed, small candles providing the only light.

Finally the program ended, and the men eagerly lined up. Sister Maurella and

Rosemary handed each a white bag. But when all the bags were gone, there

were ten men still standing in line---and no more candy to give away.

Sister stood, shocked and dismayed. How could this have happened? If God had truly spoken to her that morning, why hadn't He told her to bring one hundred and ten bags? What should they do? "God, multiply the bags," Rosemary prayed silently.

But a young convict had also seen their dilemma. "Sister," he spoke quietly,

"we others....we'll share our bags with them."

Sister looked at the faces surrounding her. Men of every color and

nationality, murderers, thieves... But men who now, because of His birthday,

were willing to reach out to others, to give, to care. Tears pricked her eyes.

Suddenly a prison trustee entered the chapel, carrying a sack. "Rosemary,

we had some leftovers from a group that came this morning," he said.

"Can you use these?"

Rosemary took the sack. Inside were ten white bags, each filled with sweets.

Everyone rejoiced as the remaining men received their treats, especially Sister.

She had wondered if Christmas could come in a prison, but now she knew.

Where love is, God is.

Re: Daily Positive Thread for the Christmas Week

pinky ann — Sun, 21 Dec 2014 02:21:09 GMT

Gloria, Safe travels! I loved the story of Sarah, as well as Christmas in Prison. I think this time of year, above any other, folks want to believe in miracles, and thankfully they do happen.

I got quite a bit done today, so I thought it was time to relax and check the boards. I spoke with my brother, as well as an old friend who I haven't spoken to for awhile. It was a good day. Hugs, pinky

Re: Daily Positive Thread for the Christmas Week

lovestopaint — Sun, 21 Dec 2014 17:32:08 GMT

Safe trip Gloria. And Merry CHRISTMAS to you and your family and that includes those two little guys too.

Counting my blessings and blessings to all.

Harlene(lovestopaint)

Re: Daily Positive Thread for the Christmas Week

Bobbi sue — Sun, 21 Dec 2014 17:59:08 GMT

Merry Christmas to all here. May peace cover the earth.

Re: Daily Positive Thread for the Christmas Week

RetRN — Sun, 21 Dec 2014 18:26:35 GMT

Heavenly Father, thank you for keeping your promise to a world of sinners and sending your Son to save us.

Wishing everyone a Merry Christmas.

Re: Daily Positive Thread for the Christmas Week

HeresLucy — Sun, 21 Dec 2014 20:27:09 GMT

Praying for your safe travels, Gloria. Our son is on his way right now.

Peace and blessings to all. Have a wonderful day.

Re: Daily Positive Thread for the Christmas Week

DoubleJ — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 16:27:02 GMT

Good morning everyone,

Harlene, your in my thoughts and prayers.

Keeping all in my prayers. Until next time...

Take care, stay safe, and God Bless.

Re: Daily Positive Thread for the Christmas Week

lovestopaint — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 21:04:51 GMT

Hi, well I didn't m,akeout well with the new surgeon. I had lost a lot of weight, and yes I did put quite a bit back on. I just let the former surgeon discourage me. It lets face it that is no one's fault but my own. So I will have to lose a lot more now for the new guy to try to fix it. So after I had a good cry on my husband's shoulder, I decided not to let it get me down, and I am going to fight back. I can't start saying poor me, there are people worse off than me GOD bless them. So off to work I go back on nutra system. Counting my blessings and blessings to all. Harlene(lovestopaint).

Re: Daily Positive Thread for the Christmas Week

RetRN — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 21:41:53 GMT

lovestopaint, your faith, strength, and courage will see you through.

Re: Daily Positive Thread for the Christmas Week

lovestopaint — Mon, 22 Dec 2014 22:36:08 GMT

Thanks RetRN, and thanks Julie. God bless you. Wishing you all a very Happy Christmas. Harlene(lovestopaint)

Re: Daily Positive Thread for the Christmas Week

shorelady — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 04:14:46 GMT

Hello Everyone:

Getting through this wonderful season is more difficult than I had anticipated. Treasured memories make it just a tiny bit easier, but it will never be the same.

But I did want to stop by and wish everyone a Merry Christmas filled with all the blessings of this special time, and a Happy New Year filled with good health and happiness.

And to quote one of my favorite Christmas songs............"may your days be merry and bright"!

Re: Daily Positive Thread for the Christmas Week

Cakers1 — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 05:19:23 GMT

On 12/22/2014 shorelady said:
Hello Everyone:

Getting through this wonderful season is more difficult than I had anticipated. Treasured memories make it just a tiny bit easier, but it will never be the same.

But I did want to stop by and wish everyone a Merry Christmas filled with all the blessings of this special time, and a Happy New Year filled with good health and happiness.

And to quote one of my favorite Christmas songs............"may your days be merry and bright"!

{{{shorelady}}} I've been wondering how you have been. The first of any holiday, birthday, anniversary, etc. seems to be the worst. I can't tell you it will get better or when, but when you don't have the experience in a situation it can seem like such a dark, long, lonely road. But there are some twinkling of lights here and there; try to see them as you carry on. Those will be memories and little bits of hope - hang onto them and know you can do this in your own time.

Re: Daily Positive Thread for the Christmas Week

pinky ann — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 15:34:02 GMT

Harlene: I know all too well about the losing and regaining. I know you can do what you need to with your DH's support, and ours here when ever you need it. I have the same battle to face myself, but haven't been able to make a start. Hope you'll enjoy the holidays, and not worry about it until they're over.

We've had a couple of nice relaxing days over the weekend, and yesterday DH and I did some errands, and went to a VA appointment he had out of town. The sun shone bright for the first time in a few weeks, and it was a very welcome sight. Today I'm getting done what I can for our family celebration tomorrow night. My family will come for supper, and may attend mass at our church. DH and I will go on Christmas day instead, as it's too much for us all in one day with company and everything.

Have fun finishing up whatever preparations you may have left, if any. Have a wonderful Christmas! I'll probably post tomorrow, but want to wish everyone a blessed, joyous day just in case I can't get here.

Merry Christmas Everyone!!!!!!! Hugs, pinky

Re: Daily Positive Thread for the Christmas Week

HeresLucy — Tue, 23 Dec 2014 20:49:47 GMT

Good afternoon!

I'm finally getting a chance to post. Since our son has been home I am out of my daily routine. He has taken the 2 grandsons out for lunch so I thought I'd take advantage of the peace and quiet.

I hope everyone is having a good day. I haven't read what everyone has written but I will get to it.

Trying to wrap up...no pun intended...lol...last minute Christmas things. I am going to make some fudge later today and a carrot cake. That's my plan.

My maternal Grandmother loved poetry. She had it all over her house up on the walls, kitchen to bathroom. Years ago, a cousin of mine sent me a photo album full of poems Grandma had collected throughout the years. Grandma wrote little things on some of them, such a precious item to me.

This is one of the items she kept. It seems that it is an insert from their church bulletin.

Have a great day and I will talk to y'all later.

Re: Daily Positive Thread for the Christmas Week

gloriajean — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 00:28:39 GMT

Hello everyone here at the positive thread! It's a good thing we have this for the week as I wasn't able to do anything here until now - we arrived in Texas around 3:30 in the afternoon on Monday and it's been busy ever since. Went shopping with Darla soon afterwards for groceries, and we had pizza for supper and sometime last night late Greg got this tablet hooked up to wi fi. This morning after breakfast went shopping with the girls - lots of stores - tiring but fun being with my two girls. Christmas in Texas! Green grass, no snow, Christmas lights all around, spactular displays, even on the green grass! We looked at some last night - just us girls, but tonight we'll be seeing a whole display of them, all around their neighborhood. Linus and the girls are now shopping for Christmas lights for Darla's house outside, hes making a little display for her. Greg is working - at home, but he's working. Thank you all for your posts here - I read them all, and Harlene, that was tough news, hang in there and don't think for one minute you'll have a hard time losing the weight - it'll come off, and you have all of us here rooting for you and praying for you. Take care and God bless you! I'll try to be back again tomorrow. This tablet is working out well that way! Nice early Christmas gift!

Re: Daily Positive Thread for the Christmas Week

Bobbi sue — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 14:10:17 GMT

Gloria, glad you and Linus arrived safely. Have a great Christmas with your girls.

Blessings and Merry Christmas to all here. May there be peace on earth. Jesus came as a babe for our sins. Have a joyous day tomorrow.

Re: Daily Positive Thread for the Christmas Week

pinky ann — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 15:26:14 GMT

Merry Christmas Eve! Little cat has had me up for hours already, so I'm nearly done with things until my family arrives. Just touch ups in the kitchen and baths, and then to get myself ready. It's pouring here,and 45 degrees a few hours ago. So unusual, but how nice is that? Sending you all good wishes today, and hope during your day you'll have time to just sit and reflect, and feel the Christmas spirit! Hugs, pinky

Re: Daily Positive Thread for the Christmas Week

Hooty — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 18:50:08 GMT

Re: Daily Positive Thread for the Christmas Week

Puzzle Piece — Wed, 24 Dec 2014 19:54:33 GMT

Hello to all and the best of the Holidays to All! Be at Peace and know you are loved.

Re: Daily Positive Thread for the Christmas Week

HeresLucy — Thu, 25 Dec 2014 01:56:39 GMT

Merry Christmas! Peace and blessings to all.