We're Moving!

It's true! Alice Benton's Blog will continue, but we are moving to another address. Our new year kicks off with a relocation from here at blog spot to AliceBenton.com. We want you to come visit us there. So, remember to return to us in 2012 on my website. You're invited of course and we want you tell your friends too.

We are starting next year with a week long birthday party! We will be turning one year old on Friday, January 6th and want to celebrate with you. So meet us at our new address on the 1st!


Link: AliceBenton.com

*Posts you may enjoy:

Blog Intentions
January 2012
What's Next?

Kwanzaa

You're in the holiday mood and you don't want the festivities to end. Well, they shouldn't because today is the first day of Kwanzaa! It was founded by Dr. Karenga in 1966 and is an amazing way to jump into a wealth of wonderful knowledge. Kwanzaa's official days of celebration are from December 26th to January 1st.

Kwanzaa is an African American holiday that shares information, as well as strengthens self-image. According to kwanzaa.com, gifts may be exchanged to reinforce personal growth and achievement which benefits the collective community. The seven principles of Kwanzaa are: Umoja (unity), Kujicahgulia (self determination), Ujima (collective work and responsibility), Ujamaa (cooperative economics), Nia (purpose), Kuumba (creativity) and Imani (faith).

You should learn about Kwanzaa. Join in on some festivities that are taking place. Make this cultural holiday a part of your holiday traditions. Below is a video from the Natural Museum of History. Enjoy and celebrate!

Links: about.com
           amnh.org
           officialkwanzzawebsite.org 

*Posts you may enjoy:

Buying The Perfect Gift
I AM
January 2012

Happy Birthday Jesus!

Happy birthday, Jesus! And, let me say Merry Christmas to all of you! Let's all take time to remember what God has done for us. It's truly a joyous day filled with ultimate love for everyone.

Join me today in not only celebrating family and presents, but the love of Christ. I'll be praying and giving thanks before anything is unwrapped. I will also be mindful of what today is really about because the reason for Christmas is so important.

How you choose to honor the Lord can manifest in many ways. The how doesn't really matter just as long as you do it. Pause and be gracious. Fill your mind with holy facts and carry them with you throughout your day.

Merry Christmas!


*Posts you may enjoy:

Holiday Focus
Raise Up
The Gift Of People
When Christmas Came Early

What If...

What if you woke up tomorrow and there were no presents? You didn't receive any gifts and couldn't afford to buy anyone anything? What if that Christmas tree you treasure was destroyed? And, your favorite holiday music that put you in a jolly mood was unavailable?


I asked my niece these questions and she said, "That would upsetting, but we should still have a celebration."

I asked, "Why?"

My niece answered, "Christmas is about Jesus' birth. The other stuff is extra."


The point is simple. If you were blessed enough to wake up and have "extra" thank God. And, praise His holy name. Regardless of your particular situation show thanks for the birth of Christ. Remember He is the reason for this season.

Happy holidays and have a merry Christmas!


*Posts you may enjoy:

God Is In Control
My Lord
'Tis His Season

Holiday Focus

As the year comes to a close, friends have told me their thoughts are all over the place. They're trying to deal with holiday tasks, but instead, Christmas is handling them. Some are lost in a sugary candy cane heaven, while others have mentioned end of the year woes. They try to move on, but haven't been able to really focus on what's next.

I admit, it is extremely easy to get lost among the trees and mistletoe along with long lines at the store. Sure, you can embrace it to a point, but too much focus on presents and parties can leave anyone troubled.

Have fun, but don't forget the holy part. Remember not to submerge yourself into the splendor of it all this time of year. Yes, the children can still dream of sugar plums. And, mom can lock lips with Santa, but it shouldn't end on that note. Share Jesus, encourage giving and spread joy. Also, make sure you spend time with those you love.


*Posts you may enjoy:

Autumn's Five Seasons: The Men
Christmas Spirit
January 2012
Under A Week To Go!

Raise Up

I had been sitting up late, as I often do, with the television watching me as I wrote. An inspiration commercial came on that was playing You Raise Me Up. As Josh Groban's voice filled the air I began to feel up lifted. I've always loved that song. It has a heavenly sound. The commercial was a success because I was inspired.

Usually, when I'm up late at night the television isn't on, but tonight I'm thankful it was. Believe me when I say, I needed to hear that song. I was having one of those moments we all have. I was experiencing a "low." And, yes that was an understatement and in the next second I was being raised up. God is good that way.

We miss the mark sometime. Other times we are simply too hard on ourselves. Whatever your story know that it's okay. We're alright! Continue to find ways to pick yourself up! While God's light is too bright to stand in, always trying to move closer to it. There will be times when we stand still or fall backwards, but we cannot let that stop us...Let Him Raise us up.


*Posts you may enjoy:

Believe
Reach For Him
Roads Travelled
Why I Failed

Under A Week To Go!

With less then a week left before Christmas, your schedule has probably become worse than usual. You have all of your usual things to do, plus various trips to the mall. How will you get all of this done?

Being slightly overwhelmed can be typical at this time of year. Be determined not to get stressed. Focus on the real reason for the season and remember to pray. Don't be plagued by holiday blues, instead, embrace all that is beautiful and holy about it.

Approach each task as if it were the only one. Space things out and tackle them separately. Simply do things to the best of your ability in order to optimize success. Also, do yourself a favor and remember you're alone. Utilize trusted friends and family that are willing!


*Posts you may enjoy:

Kindness Of Family
No Disappointments
The Gift of People

A Year For Children

In ways, next year will be "the year of the children." I have several projects that I will be working on aimed right towards the little ones. As such, I pray to be more aware and attentive because children are precious and deserve more attention. It is my wish to bless them and their loved ones.

It will be interesting to jump into the world of a child. And, I hope you'll come along with me too. Personally, I love being read to by my nieces or reading to my grandson. It will be nice to be on the creative side of the books through books.

While I will be working on other things in 2012, much of my heart will be in the realm of the child. You can look forward to a variety of enjoyable tales, as well as niche topics too.


*Posts you may enjoy:

A Month Before Christmas
Evening Thoughts
One Mother's Letter To Her Children

Intentions

Today, when I completed a telephone conversation I was left thinking that was not my intention. I intended to be gracious and loving. I intended to bless and strengthen another that had blessed and strengthened me. While I wasn't made to feel negative, I did leave the discussion questioning myself. "What have I done?" I asked. I walked away from this talk wanting to reevaluate my approach.

My joy and excitement in the situation had overshadowed what I wanted to convey. The message was getting lost in translation because I assumed my position was clear. I inadvertently began to push away the one person that continuously tried to help me.

"Why did I bring this up?" You asked. Well, I mentioned this scenario because it's important. Often when we are close to someone we feel they know our heart. Sometimes that's true, but it may not be  as well. Be clear about your intentions because you know what they say about assumptions. Do your best and remain mindful!


*Posts you may enjoy:

A Prayer For My Readers
Communication
Distractions

Emotional Roller Coaster

As the end of the year swiftly approaches, many of us are involuntarily held hostage on an "emotional  roller coaster." This ride would clearly be an awesome thriller if it didn't yank you back and forth through life. There are times when we throw up our hands and willing thrust ourselves onto what feels like the ride from hell. And, yes...I've been there. But I say no more!

Emotion can be a beautiful thing. It shouldn't be wasted on a ride that you probably wouldn't go on, if it were in your favorite amusement park. Let's face it, everyone doesn't like a heart racing roller coaster! So, save your feelings for something that's worth it. Be productive and don't accept negativity to come.

Tell yourself this year will be different. You may have sad moments, because you're human, but that's it; limit them to minutes. Refuse to dive into the "pool of sorrow" head first. I say avoid that pool completely, but you can't see your way out of it change your perception. Perhaps, a happy cannan ball that disrupts the bad flow, instead a dive. Seek happiness and bless others with it when you find it.


*Posts you may enjoy:

Christmas' Reason
No Disappointments
Prayer

Push

This weekend, I have been pushing myself. There was a great deal that I needed to accomplish and I did, thank you, Jesus. I tested my limits. I was tempted to drop a thing or two, but couldn't. What responsibility should be ditched? None, of course. When I'm committed to a cause I have to see it to the end.

I juggled as many things possible. Unfortunately, there was no time to play. I had deadlines to meet and obligations to fulfill. Thankfully, God gave me the strength I needed to prevail. I constantly prayed and simply kept moving on faith.

I know the price for not handling my business, all too well. I know what and who suffers when I'm not doing what I came to do. So, I push forward and hope that you will too. It isn't always easy to do what's right, but it is necessary.

There will be time to relax and celebrate. And when it's finally time to play, I'm doing it big! But for now, I'm prioritizing and it helps that I'm never alone. God is with me and thank you for being here too.


*Posts you may enjoy:

God Is Love
My Books
Victory Is Yours!

'Tis His Season

As I was cleaning out my never-ending closet, I placed some items into a box that I was considering selling. Every now and then, I attempt to come up with ways to get better at spending, saving, etc.. And, while there is nothing wrong with doing that, I thought it's the season of Christ. I should be thinking of ways to help His children, after all, that's the type of gift Jesus would want.

I decided to examine the contents of my ever-growing box and realized that I could bless someone quite easily with it. There were clothes that I hadn't worn even once with the tags on them. There were also shoes that had never touched the ground, among other things. Yes, for now, we'll avoid talking about my obvious wastefulness and get to the point. My things were in perfect shape to donate. And why shouldn't I? 'Tis His season, right? Part of how I will honor God this season is by giving my flawlessly fit fashions to a church or another appropriate organization.

Remember to reflect on the true meaning of Christmas. Think of ways that work for you to bless God's children because 'tis His Season!


*Posts you may enjoy:

A Month Before Christmas
A Positive Way Of Life
Shoes And Bags In Your Closet

Back To Basics

Lately, I have had some recurring themes play in my life. At first, I barely noticed. Then I thought huh. Next, I said to friend, "I keep seeing this..." Later, I questioned, "What does it mean?"

The meaning was clear. There was an issue in my life that I needed to look at closely. It would continuously resurface in varied ways only for me to find out fundamentally, it was the same. I examined what was happening and realized I needed to go back to the basics.

That's something we all need to do from time to time. We're told not to sweat the small stuff, but it's the little things that get built upon and made into something bigger. If it's positive...great, but what about when it isn't?

If you're aware of an issue you have deal with it! It doesn't matter how big or small it is because problems love to replay themselves and spread out whenever possible. Do your best to stay on top basic truths in your life and remember you are not alone.


*Posts you may enjoy:

God Is Love
Positivity
We Are Not Alone

Christmas' Reason

Christmas has been a magnificiant holiday throughout the years. It's easy to get carried away with all the commercial hype of it. Let's face it, the concentration on obtaining joy makes us feel elated.

Why shouldn't we feel good? I'm certain God intended for us to be happy. I don't think that's questionable, but how we go after it is vital. True joy cannot be purchased and that is what needs to be taught to our children.

There's nothing wrong with Christmas splendor, if it is kept in perspective. The coming of the Lord is what we're celebrating! Stories of baby Jesus should fill your home. Enjoy yourself, but remember Christ before Santa and spread love.


*Posts you may enjoy:

A Month Before Christmas
God Is Love
Reach For Him

Giving Thanks Daily

I had an unusual day. I love it when I experience a day or a holiday in this case that is lovely, but nothing like what I expected. This was the case for my Thanksgiving. I had a plan and even a back up plan, but I was still caught by surprise.

My day turned out to be exactly what I needed. I was happy and so was my family. There was never a dull moment, yet there were definite times of peace. There was plenty of joy to go around, which is just the way I like it.

Everyday should be occupied with giving thanks. Gratitude for God and each other are a special necessity that isn't shown enough during the year. May we all incorporate more praise into our daily lives.


*Posts you may enjoy:

A Month Before Christmas
I AM
Joyous Morning

Thanks

Today, I found it fitting to sort of list why I am thankful. Let me say, I'm not going to record it all because there is too much. I'm keeping it general. Truth be told, there are countless things that deserve thanks in my life. It's not because I'm blessed any more than most. It's because I choose to recognize that...it's all beauty.

I'm thankful for my entire family. I am thankful for my friends, my readers and my supporters. I'm thankful for every new day I am blessed enough to wake up into. I'm thankful for love and the ability to give and receive it. I'm thankful for my life...this life with all of its abundance and absence of such. I'm thankful for God and being able to praise Him in all situations. Last, but not least, I am thankful for you specifically.

God bless you and enjoy your day!


*Posts you may enjoy:

Gifts From God
Happy Thanksgiving!
I'm Blessed
Raising Children

Why I Failed

At the end of the day, I wanted to be able to say, "Nights like tonight are what champions are made of." I was presented with a specific challenge. It was one I had seen approaching for a while. I thought good I can prepare to overcome it, but I failed.

I had both foresight and the know how, but they didn't help. There wasn't enough focus on how to prevail. The knowledge of things to come wasn't used properly. Mistakenly, acknowledgment was considered the plan when it should have been the first step before becoming armed with the word of God.

When you're lucky enough to see a problem coming be proactive about it. Solve the issue by finding a way to resolve it. Admit there is something you can do...pray.


*Posts you may enjoy:

Life Learner
Prayer
Truth Can Hurt

Passing The Party

This past weekend was a special one. It was long, but I got things done. My only scheduled event was the Beauty in Pain, book signing in Norfolk, VA, but I had much more to do. My literary calendar was full and I could feel the late nights catching up to me.

I wanted to extend my stay and parlay the overall good feeling into a mini vacation. There were some fabulous moments, but I had a deadline to keep. Seemingly against my own will, I sat at up with my laptop and virtually completed my next novel, Autumn's Five Seasons.

I may not have gotten a chance to run around or shop, but I was happy with the choice I made. I felt accomplished, especially after finishing the novel tonight in its entirety. It's fantastic! You're going to love it! Sometime we have to pass on a little bit of fun and simply handle our business. The party will come back around!


*Posts you may enjoy:

Autumn's Five Seasons
Choices
Prince Books & Me
Where Can I Get Beauty in Pain?

Kindness Of Family

Everyone is quick to talk about the kindness of strangers because it's unexpected. Let's face it, we want to tell the world when something odd happens, especially when it swings in our favor. Well, I want to discuss the opposite, which in this case is the support of a loved one.

I think it's only fitting to celebrate the countless family members that champion your cause whenever possible. Generally, they go unnoticed, but today I would like to sing their praises and give thanks. Life is so much more rich because of the people we can rely on day after day.

If you have someone that you can lean on without pause take time to tell them thank you. Love resides on a two way street, but it isn't always obvious. So give thanks and appreciation for those in your life today.


*Posts you may enjoy:

Beauty in Pain Book Signing - VA
Expectations
Have It All

Life's Journey

I talk to my mother about life quite a bit. I listen to her intently not only because she's my mom, but she's wise and has much to offer on the topic. She always says, "This is a journey we're taking. You know that right?"

I do know that. I am very aware that I am, as the Merriam-Webster Online Dictionary puts it, traveling from one place to another. In fact, these last few years have been the most profound trip I've experienced to date.

Much of this life of mine is uncertain, but I don't need to know everything. God will lead me where I need to be. He knows the path for my life's journey.  

*Posts you may enjoy:

Beauty in Pain Book Signing - VA
God Is In Control
I Am
Road Travelled
The Wise One