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 

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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!


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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!


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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.


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Saint Michael – Saint Malachy Roman Catholic Church in Brooklyn

I have long missed the days of what I consider the old style Catholic Church Activities. When I was growing up Saint Fortunata on Linden Blvd held many things for their church goers to do. Well, I found a place of worship that does things like I remember it. Saint Michael – Saint Malachy Roman Catholic Church has two events coming up: a flea market and a carnival.

The Church is located at 225 Jerome Street in Brooklyn, NY. The Flea Market is on Sunday, October 2, 2011 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., in the St. Michael Parish parking lot on the corner of Liberty Avenue and Warwick Street. There will be food and beverages sold too. Come out and show support! You might even find a few deals.

The carnival will be held from October 7 – 12, 2001. There will games and rides for everyone. So, bring the entire family. Please remember it is a church event; volunteers and donations are welcome!

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Raising Children

When it comes to your children you always want the best for them. In fact, that is exactly why you spend countless hours trying to teach them right from wrong. You've done your best to mold this person from birth into perfection and yet, they keep demonstrating characteristics you never factored into their lives.

Your child or children have somehow managed to become their own person. They do both things that you like and can't stand. The truth is they were always an individual, but their was a time when they reflected you more than themselves.

Honestly, the best any parent can do is guide them. Tell them all the things you needed to know, but were never told. Hopefully, the really important things stay with them and right decisions are made.

There most certainly will come a time when they do something that doesn't make you happy. That too is a part of life with children. Know that you were never supposed to save them from everything in the world. Beautiful things will happen, as well as mess ups, just be there for them. Reinforce, your love for your child and move forward in a positive. Also, never stop praying for them and yourself.


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Talk To Your Children

It's very important to talk to your children. You can mix the conversation up a bit, but make sure you mention the really important things. Believe it or not they are listening.

Often, when talking to a child, it appears if they are not paying attention. That body language is not only offensive to adults, but discouraging. Don't be deterred! There are times when children seem like they are blocking out your voice, but the truth is it's getting to them whether they like it or not. Miracles do happen, and as the parent, sometime the miracle is you.

In fact, give them some time. Your varied messages will sink in and become a part of them. Eventually, your child will prove to you that they were listening. You'll quite possibly be shocked and amazed, but all will be right in your world.


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A Love Letter

Dearest love of mine,

You are one of the true loves of my life. Even before I knew of you, I knew that Isaiah spoke to heart. I have loved you from the moment that I knew of your existence. Yes, it's true, I do love you because your lineage, but that's not all. You are so much more than that. I love you more everyday because you are simply you. I thank God for you. He has enhanced my life with yours.

God bless you my dear grandson.


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Holding My Grandson

While holding my grandson I experienced such an endearing moment. I held him to my chest as he slept. His face was pointing outward as he rested on my right shoulder. My ear was leaning against the back of his sweet head. I had my left hand on his back while the other secured the snuggling position. And, I could hear his heart beat.

There was an instance when his heart beat was all I could hear. It was amazing. It thumped in the way that small a child's does--special. I was overcome with love.

I recalled my God is Love post, as love surged through our bodies from heart to heart. I thought, this is a great time to introduce God into his being. My grandson now knows that he is truly never alone. He now knows that God lives inside of him and he can tell Him anything. He now knows that God watches and protects him, even when grandma cannot. He also knows as the bible says...as for me and my house, we shall serve the Lord!

Speak blessings into your little one's heart today.

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Extended Family

Today, was great.  While it is father's day, it is also a day about family.  We like many had a barbecue in honor of dad. There was a point when I looked around at everyone and noticed our extended family.  It was beautiful. Family is wonderful, and the additions to it can also be a blessing.

Family is no longer a straight forward concept.  The face of it has changed just as much as the world.  I have been blessed enough to meet friends that are now truly part of my family. Some families are a blood bond, but others are made.


Evening Thoughts, Family and Honoring Your Children.

Family

This weekend has been about celebration, honor and family. Remember to cherish your relatives.  Hold them near and dear to your heart because their love keeps things going.  Make time with them count.

Barbeque's and parties are being planned with friends.  Events are coming fast and furious with the change in the weather.  Use this time to honor yourself and family.  This lifetime is to be shared with the ones you .

God bless you all.  Enjoy this weekend with your loved ones and have a ball.


*Posts Difficult Relationships, Fleet Week New York 2011, One Mother's Letter to Her Children, Slow Down and Honoring Your Children.