More often than not, life throws us a curve ball. We aren't expecting certain events and even if we are, we're never ready for them. Such is the case with my longtime friend, Beverly. Quite unexpectedly, her husband, of many years, died. And, for several months now, folks have been remarking that Beverly is "doing so well." And, they keep telling her that she is so strong!
Now, one of the reasons why Beverly and I have been friends for such a long time, is that we are both avid readers and we love words.
Words are helping Beverly cope with what life has recently dealt her. She has told me that she thinks about and prays about the following words.... Strength, Courage, Gratitude, Acts of Kindness, and of course, Patience.
There you go folks. You can't get any better than that. Those words summarize the best kind of life, lived to its greatest and fullest.
Thank you Lord, for the treasure of friendship and words. In the middle of our sorrows and trials, we look for You, and You are there, giving us strength, courage, gratitude, and patience. Show us how to express simple acts of kindness to our fellow travelers. We praise your Holy Name.
Friday, December 28, 2018
Thursday, December 27, 2018
A Little Flakey
My gift to the residents this year was a "Nancy-crafted" crocheted snowflake. Along with the snowflake, we added an original, collaborative poem.
SNOWFLAKES
Snowflakes have many facets, all of
us do.
Mostly we look similar, but there are
differences, too.
As we fall from the sky and tumble
t’ward ground,
Our swirling and spiraling, shapes
us, we’ve found.
The paths that we travel, make people
unique.
All we encounter affects our
mystique.
Each face is special, shaped by joy
and strife,
These flakes remind us, of the
blessings of life.
Nancy and Scott Kincaid
I think the residents liked them, because the verbal "thank yous" have been numerous. Several folks noted that it must have taken me a long time to do the crocheting. I replied that it did, but the hours spent were a labor of love. Each flake was unique, just as each of our residents are one-of-a kind.
Three residents offered to help me deliver the little items, to the apartments. Accepting their offer was another way to share in the joy of gift giving.
I am blessed.
Tuesday, December 18, 2018
Happy New Year
None of the following is original. I found the words in a catalog of some sort. Only if you are a hermit and live in a cave without a postal address, would you not know, that December, is the month for catalog inundation. I love catalogs and all the neat stuff for sale in them. However, rarely do I indulge in purchasing anything from catalogs (I am a retail, brick and mortar-type shopper). But, I do enjoy looking!
Quite a few people shop exclusively by catalog. Judging by the number of packages that I have handled in our mail room, over the last few weeks, we should have invested in UPS or Fed X, years ago! Catalog and on-line shopping, is very 21st Century.
Quite a few people shop exclusively by catalog. Judging by the number of packages that I have handled in our mail room, over the last few weeks, we should have invested in UPS or Fed X, years ago! Catalog and on-line shopping, is very 21st Century.
So, we are at year's end. Time to sing "Auld Lang Syne", and toast the new year. 2018 is about to give way to 2019. All in all, it has been a pretty darn good year.
Time to say so long, see you next year...........................or, how about using............."In an Hour, Sunflower...........Maybe two, Kangaroo....................Gotta go, Buffalo......................Better Swish, Jellyfish.........or finally..............Bye, Bye, Butterfly!
Prospero ano y felicidad.
Gracious God. We have been trying to do our best for you, for the past year. WE know that we have a lot more to do. We thank you for our many blessings. We believe, in our hearts that next year will be even better.
Prospero ano y felicidad.
Gracious God. We have been trying to do our best for you, for the past year. WE know that we have a lot more to do. We thank you for our many blessings. We believe, in our hearts that next year will be even better.
Tuesday, December 11, 2018
Blogger Beatitudes
The world becomes a different place, when you take time to count your blessings. People who look at the bright side of life, instead of on the dark side, are truly a blessing to everyone they meet.
I have written before, about the importance of regular mail delivery at my work. Seniors live and breathe their mail! All day long, residents ask me, "Has the mail been delivered?" And, they are clearly disappointed and often times disgruntled, that it has not yet arrived. And when, and this is rare, the postal person delivers before 10 a.m., I get complaints that the mail has come too early!
"Blessed are those who appreciate any mail, whenever it comes."
Lots of comments about our planned activities and events, are expressed, with great passion, to me. Many residents come to my desk and complain that there are way too many activities and they can't choose which ones to attend and which to ignore. Other folks say that they don't have enough to do. They want more activities. It seems that no one is satisfied.
"Blessed are those who can find joy in being alive."
Then, there are the constant comments about the weather and the temperature of various rooms and apartments. If you have three women in the same room, one will be cold, another will be freezing, and the third will be just right!
"Blessed are those who can adapt to the changing weather with joy."
And, last but not least are the complaints about the food. Taste in food is individual and that's why we have a full menu of choices. But, that doesn't matter. From the comments that reach me, no one likes anything we put on the table. (I once had a two year old who felt that way!) However, everything I have eaten in our beautiful dining room, has been quite tasty. Truly, if I do not have to buy, prepare and serve a meal, I always enjoy it.
"Blessed are the hungry, because they aren't so darn picky."
Dear Lord. You have given us so many blessings. We don't focus on them nearly enough. Our lives are bounty filled and our fortunes are many. We give thanks.
I have written before, about the importance of regular mail delivery at my work. Seniors live and breathe their mail! All day long, residents ask me, "Has the mail been delivered?" And, they are clearly disappointed and often times disgruntled, that it has not yet arrived. And when, and this is rare, the postal person delivers before 10 a.m., I get complaints that the mail has come too early!
"Blessed are those who appreciate any mail, whenever it comes."
Lots of comments about our planned activities and events, are expressed, with great passion, to me. Many residents come to my desk and complain that there are way too many activities and they can't choose which ones to attend and which to ignore. Other folks say that they don't have enough to do. They want more activities. It seems that no one is satisfied.
"Blessed are those who can find joy in being alive."
Then, there are the constant comments about the weather and the temperature of various rooms and apartments. If you have three women in the same room, one will be cold, another will be freezing, and the third will be just right!
"Blessed are those who can adapt to the changing weather with joy."
And, last but not least are the complaints about the food. Taste in food is individual and that's why we have a full menu of choices. But, that doesn't matter. From the comments that reach me, no one likes anything we put on the table. (I once had a two year old who felt that way!) However, everything I have eaten in our beautiful dining room, has been quite tasty. Truly, if I do not have to buy, prepare and serve a meal, I always enjoy it.
"Blessed are the hungry, because they aren't so darn picky."
Dear Lord. You have given us so many blessings. We don't focus on them nearly enough. Our lives are bounty filled and our fortunes are many. We give thanks.
Tuesday, December 4, 2018
Old Favorites
If you've been following my "Nansense" Blog, you should be aware that my all-time, favorite Christmas Song is "Here Comes Santa Claus!"
Gene Autry, "The Christmas Cowboy", wrote the song in 1947. He was inspired to write the lyrics after riding his horse in the annual Santa Claus Lane Parade. All the children lining the parade route were yelling and pointing, "Here comes Santa Claus". They were looking past Autry, the celebrity, watching for Santa Claus!
Here are the lyrics; (Gene sang....Santie Claus.) It's truly a beautiful prayer for Christmas.
"Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus.
Right down Santa Claus Lane.
Vixen and Blitzen and all his reindeer,
Pulling on the reins.
Bells are ringing, children singing
All is merry and bright.
So hang your stockings and say your prayers,
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.
Here come Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus
Right down Santa Claus Lane.
He's got a bag that's filled with toys for boys and girls again.
Hear those sleigh bells jingle, jangle.
Oh, what a beautiful sight.
So jump in bed, cover up your head,
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.
Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus
Right down Santa Claus Lane.
He doesn't care if you're rich or poor,
He loves you just the same.
Santa Claus knows we're all God's Children
That makes everything right.
So fill your hearts with Christmas Joy,
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.
Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus
Right down Santa Claus Lane.
He'll come around when chimes ring out
That it's Christmas Morn again.
Peace and Earth will come to all
If we just follow The Light.
So let's give thanks to the Lord above,
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.
Autry was born, Orvon Grover "Gene"Autry. He appeared in 93 films, made numerous radio and TV appearances and recorded dozens of songs. One of his other Christmas Hits was "Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer." "Rudolph" was recorded and released in 1949. But, now here's a fun bit of Trivia, it was still #1 on January 1st. So, Autry had the first number one record of the 50's.
"Rudolph" was followed by another hit, "Frosty, the Snowman."
Gene Autry, "The Christmas Cowboy", wrote the song in 1947. He was inspired to write the lyrics after riding his horse in the annual Santa Claus Lane Parade. All the children lining the parade route were yelling and pointing, "Here comes Santa Claus". They were looking past Autry, the celebrity, watching for Santa Claus!
Here are the lyrics; (Gene sang....Santie Claus.) It's truly a beautiful prayer for Christmas.
"Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus.
Right down Santa Claus Lane.
Vixen and Blitzen and all his reindeer,
Pulling on the reins.
Bells are ringing, children singing
All is merry and bright.
So hang your stockings and say your prayers,
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.
Here come Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus
Right down Santa Claus Lane.
He's got a bag that's filled with toys for boys and girls again.
Hear those sleigh bells jingle, jangle.
Oh, what a beautiful sight.
So jump in bed, cover up your head,
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.
Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus
Right down Santa Claus Lane.
He doesn't care if you're rich or poor,
He loves you just the same.
Santa Claus knows we're all God's Children
That makes everything right.
So fill your hearts with Christmas Joy,
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.
Here comes Santa Claus, here comes Santa Claus
Right down Santa Claus Lane.
He'll come around when chimes ring out
That it's Christmas Morn again.
Peace and Earth will come to all
If we just follow The Light.
So let's give thanks to the Lord above,
'Cause Santa Claus comes tonight.
Autry was born, Orvon Grover "Gene"Autry. He appeared in 93 films, made numerous radio and TV appearances and recorded dozens of songs. One of his other Christmas Hits was "Rudolph, the Red Nosed Reindeer." "Rudolph" was recorded and released in 1949. But, now here's a fun bit of Trivia, it was still #1 on January 1st. So, Autry had the first number one record of the 50's.
"Rudolph" was followed by another hit, "Frosty, the Snowman."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)