It's New Years Eve!

Alice Benton's Blog wishes you a very happy New Years Eve! Have the time of your life! Please stay safe and pick a designated driver if necessary, but public transportation is the best way to go this evening. Remember, even if you and yours aren't drinking, many other people will be so caution is still wise. When the ball finally drops, know that I am praying that 2012 is your best year so far. Also, that each year following is better.

God bless you & Enjoy!


Link: AliceBenton.com

Happy Kwanzaa!

Alice Benton's Blog wishes you a happy Kwanzaa! May your days be filled with joy as you celebrate the principles! God bless.

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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Merry Christmas!

Alice Benton's Blog wishes you a very merry Christmas! While I sincerely hope that you received everything you wanted, know that you have everything you need. Remember the Christ in Christmas and enjoy your holy holiday!

God bless & enjoy!

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!


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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.


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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.


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Happy Thanksgiving!

Alice Benton's Blog wishes you a very happy thanksgiving! I hope that you will rejoice in all that you have and show thanks. God bless you!

Veterans Day

Alice Benton's Blog wishes you a very happy Veterans Day! God bless all the Veterans, including my daddy, that have served in the United States Armed Forces. Thank you for your dedication and blessings!

All Saints Day

Alice Benton's Blog wishes you a very happy All Saints Day! This is a special day in which Catholics celebrate all saints both known and unknown. About.com offers quick facts, as well as an introduction and history to this Holy Day of Obligation.

Enjoy and God bless!

Happy Halloween

Alice Benton's Blog wishes you all a very happy happy Halloween! I pray that you enjoy your day, especially all the little trick or treaters and God bless! Please remember to have fun and be safe!


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Columbus Day

Alice Benton's Blog wishes you a happy Columbus Day! This holiday celebrates the arrival of Christopher Columbus in the new world. It has been celebrated as early as the 18th century, but became a national holiday in the United States in 1937.

Increasingly through the years it has been a controversial holiday. It is for that reason that alternatives to the celebration have gained some popularity. Sites like History.com list both historical accounts, as well as controversy.

Have a blessed day!


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Hispanic Heritage Month

1.     

September 15, 2011, began Hispanic Heritage Month! While Hispanic Heritage and pride is a lifelong event, this month is one way to further show love and educate society about various cultures within the Hispanic community. So do your part and find a way to support this cultural month.

According to politic365.com, many Latinos celebrate by attending a plethora of events. The website also supplies a great list of facts about Hispanic Heritage Month. 109 schools have also gotten involved in spreading the positivity.

Enjoy Hispanic Heritage Month! God bless and spread love!

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It's Labor Day

Alice Benton's Blog wishes each of you a happy labor day! I sincerely hope you enjoy this day to its fullest. I thank God for all of the hard working people that contribute to this country and the world.  Party hard and then get back to work!

Happy Fourth of July

Alice Benton's Blog wishes you all a happy 4th of July! We gladly celebrate our Independence while reflecting on the importance of this day, which I will do in red, white and blue. God bless America!

Happy Father's Day

Happy Father's Day! Alice Benton's Blog wishes you a very happy Father's Day! God bless all of the fathers, grandpas and so on, which includes moms that have to play both roles.  May God bless and keep you all, as well as your child or children.

Enjoy!

Juneteenth

Juneteenth is an important day. Many people have not heard of or acknowledged it, yet it is still momentous.  According to juneteenthohio.net, it is the day -- June 19, 1865 -- that the last group of slaves were freed.  Approximately, 800,000 slaves were not affected by the Emancipation Proclamation.  It took much more to officially set all slaves free, including civil war and the 13th Amendment.

Juneteenth.com encourages everyone to celebrate the day.  It is not only an African American freedom holiday, it is also American History.  It is a day to remember because lives were enhanced.  The entire country, as well as the world improved June 19th, so long ago.

May it encourage us all to be better than we are.


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Happy Flag Day

Flag day has come and almost gone, but it was blast.  There was no shortage of love for old glory in my house, as some would say. There is always an extra sense of respect and admiration demonstrated not only for the flag, but also for the family patriarch; he's a veteran. While we did not hang out a flag, our home came alive in the spirit of red, white and blue.  There were functions here and there, but we celebrated as a family.

I hope you enjoyed this day.  For Flag Day Fun Facts please view Chiff.com.  May we always appreciate this part of history.  God bless you all and enjoy!


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Memorial Day

Alice Benton's Blog wishes everyone a wonderful Memorial Day. Many simply view this day, formerly known as Decoration Day, as the unofficial start of summer, but it's much more than that.  Memorial Day is a day observed to show love, and honor for our fallen soldiers. I respectfully salute all of those who have contributed to freedom by paying the ultimate price.

God bless you all and enjoy!