Tag Archives: Christmas

December 24, 2012 · 2:45 pm

The Joy And The Journey Of The Season

Christmas JourneyThis is the week of Christmas. This is a week when the issues of the day should be put aside and we as a community come together to celebrate our commonality, our desire for peace among mankind and for joy to the world.  It is a time to reflect on the journey of Mary and Joseph and the reason we celebrate Christmas.

They were one family, on one journey, a rather uneventful trip and yet by trips end the life of mankind was forever changed.  We celebrate one child born to change not the world for his parents but for mankind with a message of salvation and love.

It is a message not intended for a couple of days in December but for a lifetime of practice by each of us.  Let this time of the year be a foundation for a better life with a renewed commitment to the practices and teachings of Christianity.

Our world would be a better place if we all kept the reason for the season in our hearts not just for Christmas Day but for the rest of the year.  May the spirit of Christmas be in your heart.

Merry Christmas to all, and my each of you find peace and love in within.

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December 22, 2012 · 8:29 am

A Medicinal Dose Of Christmas Chocolate

Dark Chocolate

Dark Chocolate

Thin mints, chocolate covered cherries, and chocolate chip cookies it must be Christmas.  Well actually a gift of some good dark chocolate can make the 4th of July feel like Christmas but that is not the point.

As we party, feast and gather with family, dietary concerns are tossed aside but not our concerns for health.  So it is today the Opining Quill offers reasons to indulge in dark chocolate.  Before moving on consider at this point grabbing a bar of dark chocolate to nibble off and allowing it to slowly melt in your mouth as you read on.

Since you have been stressed out over the recent activities of life it should be noted that the first nibble is one of the two or three times each week that a small amount of dark chocolate should be consumed to lower your blood pressure, improve blood flow and help to prevent blood clots.  Ah, a medicine that actually tastes good, we are off to a good start here.

Chocolate contains phenylethylamine (PEA) and serves as a neurotransmitter in the mammalian central nervous system.  Actually that really means it is the same chemical your brain creates when you feel like you are falling in love.  Better take another nibble for cognitive functions and happiness.  I may be on to something here; I’m getting happier as I nibble and write.

My doctor says I should adopt a diet to reduce the chances of type 2 diabetes, take another nibble.  I can almost feel the flavonoids doing their thing to help reduce insulin resistance, helping cells to function normally.  Doc says, “Because dark chocolate has a low glycemic index your blood sugar will not spike”.  Don’t you just love a doctor that thinks chocolate is medicinal?

Now here’s a bit of news you may not know.  Oh, first take another nibble.  Have you ever wondered why Santa, over time, looks the same?  Chocolate, yup his secret is dark chocolate, naturally loaded with antioxidants that may protect you from some forms of cancer and slows the signs of aging.  I can live with that.

I know some of you are thinking about the dangers of tooth decay at this point.  No need to worry, dark chocolate contains theobromine which acts to harden tooth enamel.  Oh it also acts as a cough suppressant, who knew?

One more nibble, this time for the vitamins and minerals.  Can I get a like for a good taste of Potassium and copper working to prevent strokes and cardio ailments?  The magnesium goes to work on prevention of type 2 diabetes and the high blood pressure and finally the iron keeps away the anemia.

At this point if you are still nibbling go for it, grab the bar and gobble the whole dang thing.  Smile and wish yourself a Merry Christmas then put dieting on your calendar as a New Year’s resolution.  As for me, this blog is ready to post and I think I’ll reward myself which a box of dark chocolate covered cherries.  It just doesn’t get much better……….Merry Christmas!!!

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December 16, 2012 · 6:43 pm

God, Country And A Newtown Tragedy

Today is Sunday a traditional day of worship for Christians as they gather in congregations to pray and practice their religious beliefs.  This Sunday in churches across the land Christians have taken notice of the recent events in Newtown, Connecticut.

People of every faith have turned out for vigils and turned to religious leaders for comfort, guidance and solace.  It is times like this that the strength of religion is most apparent in our nation.

The tragedy of Friday morning and resulting sorrow has struck at the inner fabric of emotion across our land.  Once again the false facade of political correctness is taking a back seat to inner belief, as a nation stands on the religious foundations of our great land.

Many elected leaders are casting aside their pandering practice of political correctness to attend religious services, vigils and some have even invoked the name of God in their remarks.  The concept of separation of church and state within our government was intended to protect religious practice and yet somehow we have gone full circle to give it new meaning to erect a wall to stop the practice of religion.

It is rather ironic that in this season of Christian celebration we are stimulated by sorrow to seek the lord for comfort and solitude.  It is precisely this time of the year when we find on a daily basis examples of public policy set to limit religious beliefs and practice.

As a matter of public policy we have removed the cultural traditions and practice of singing many Christmas carols in our schools, or even the mention of Merry Christmas.  What is ironic or sad is our reaction to the sorrow and tragedy by our elected leaders.

In a time of tragedy the power of prayer suddenly becomes politically correct and the objections to elected leaders taking part are muffled.   It is reflection of our weakness as a nation to not to stand up for and protect the practice of religion at all times and not only in times of convenience.

Our nation was founded on Christian values, shared by other religions.  We are indeed a nation of diversity and yet we protect and honor that diversity within our Constitution.  We are a melting pot of world cultures and as people we need not fear the practice of religion, we need to protect the rights of those that chose to practice their faith as part of our culture.

The right to practice religion is just as sacred as the right to be an atheist.  It is no more right for a government to advocate a single religion than it is to advocate an atheistic set of values on our nation.

While we have allowed pray to be removed from our schools I cannot help but think that last Friday that policy may have been also tossed aside at the Sandy Hook Elementary School.  The practice of prayer at that time did not harm our society but may have offered some a feeling of strength at a time when they most needed it.

The Opining Quill urges all readers to address your emotions stimulated by the events of Friday in your own way.   The victims, families and friends will be in my personal thoughts and prayers in the coming days.  In this time of sadness and sorrow our nation remains, one nation under God and it is in God we trust.

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December 13, 2012 · 10:17 am

Coventry News: Celebrity To Help Raise Funds

Tis just days before Christmas and all should be bright,

But in Coventry some things are not right.

In front of Town Hall a tree shines in great light,

While some of our neighbors are found in a plight.

What should be a season of giving and joy,

Only brings stress if you can’t buy a toy.

Out of a job and down on their luck,

Neighbors are short and stretching a buck.

Never living this way before

Up all night and pacing the floor.

Wishing for help to knock at their door

Too proud to ask for help evermore.

This is your chance, a time to do good,

Helping your neighbors, here in the hood.

Tis the season to spread some good will,

And all it takes is a few bucks in the till.

The economy has been tight recently and more families are having a difficult time, but you can help your neighbors here in Coventry.  Ninety percent (90%) of all monies stay right here in Coventry when you make a donation to a local Salvation Army Bell Ringer.

Things have been a little tight this year in the economy and Coventry must dig a little deeper as a community to help our neighbors in need.  Indeed we are fortunate to have a new helper this year, a celebrity you might say.

Despite a very busy schedule getting things ready at the North Pole, Santa Claus has stepped forward to help ring the bells here in Coventry.  In a statement released from the North Pole Santa said, “Those residents of Coventry making a donation when he is in town will have an inner glow of happiness, knowing they are helping their neighbors in need”.

He is inviting moms and dads to bring the children along and have their pictures taken with Santa.  The schedule of appearances for Santa Claus depends on his schedule and weather.  He wants to keep that red velvet suit dry for the big trip on Christmas Eve.  According to Santa, “No donation is too small or too large.  All are needed and will sure be a help to your neighbors in Coventry”.

Santa will at Highland Market this Saturday the 15th from 10:00am until noon and on Tuesday the 18th at CVS from 3:00pm until 5:00pm

PLEASE HELP to get the word out by passing along this link to others.

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November 30, 2012 · 1:12 pm

Governor Treed By Protesters Supporting Christmas

When hunting it is not uncommon to tree your prey, but it is uncommon for a Governor to be treed by protesters as appears to be the case in Rhode Island.  In the little State of Rhode Island there is big controversy as the Governor cowered and caved in the wake of a protest last year over the lighting of a “Holiday Tree” in the State House.

Protesters interrupted the program last year breaking out into song with a rendition of “O Christmas Tree”.  What can be so wrong with a song?  It seems the Independent Governor Lincoln Chafee refused to call the traditional tree a “Christmas Tree” instead referring to it as a “Holiday Tree”.

This year to avoid facing a mob of singing protesters intending to sing “Silent Night” after the tree lighting, the Governor instead change the time of the event to noon with only a twenty nine minute notice.  The event was sparsely attended by those happening to be in the building.  In past years it has been a well-attended traditional family holiday event.

In sharp contrast Arizona Republican Governor, Jan Brewer embraces the Christmas holiday and has made it a policy in Arizona to recognize Christmas and Hanukkah publicly and she prohibits any censorship of these religious holidays.  This past Monday Governor Brewer in fact hosted the lighting of the traditional “Christmas Tree” inside the State Capitol.

In 2009, her first year as Governor, Brewer issued an Executive Order that encouraged the celebration of Christmas and Hanukkah.  The Order recognizes the historical and cultural significance of both Christmas and Hanukkah and spotlights the joy and goodwill fostered by their seasonal celebration.

Governor Brewer seems to acknowledge and address those that would question the constitutionality of such an order when she included the following phrase: “The Constitution does not permit the government to tolerate or engage in hostility toward religion, and the United States Supreme Court has affirmed that the public celebration of religious holidays, and that the acknowledgement of religious origins, does not offend the Constitution.”

There you have two Governors, two trees, two holidays and two options on how to acknowledge religious traditions older than this country.  One Governor prefers to cower and hid while the other stands tall for the traditions of her constituents.

The Opining Quill salutes Governor Jan Brewer for her defense of traditional values, and providing a teaching moment for tolerance. Her understanding of the Constitutional protections afforded to religion and religious freedom provides clarity and respect for the intent of the founding fathers.

While one Governor is treed by protesters the other is basking in the light of the season.  In a season when we most often reflect on peace, goodwill, love and understanding for our fellow man the Opining Quill would like to wish all of you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy Hanukkah.

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December 25, 2010 · 9:02 am

The Journey And The Joy Of The Season

This is a busy week of the year for most families as we prepare for the Christmas holiday.  It is a time to reflect on the journey of Mary and Joseph and the reason we celebrate Christmas.  They were one family, on one journey, with one child who would change the world forever.

This is the week of Christmas a time of the year appropriate to stop and reflect on your journey through life and your contribution to the world around you.  This is a week when the issues of the day should be put aside and we as a community come together to celebrate our commonality, our desire for peace among mankind and for joy to the world.  May the spirit of Christmas be in your heart and with your family.

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December 19, 2010 · 9:17 am

I Met An Angel Last Night and She Needs Your Help

It was cold last night but I met with an angel.  She didn’t look like the angels in books, she didn’t have any wings, and as far as I know she couldn’t sing a note, but there’s no doubt in my mind she was an angel.

I was in government subsidized housing, in an apartment that could only be described as heavenly clean and neat.  There in the corner was a Christmas tree donated by a friend adorned with white lights and red bows, each one symbolic of a year in the life of the angel I was visiting.

Around the room was a collection of cookies, trays of fresh baked cookies more cookies than I have ever seen in one place in my life.  There were no presents under the tree but there were plenty of cookies.  Every tray was going some place. There was one with over 100 cookies for her visiting care giver, some for her nurse, a large tray for the local senior center care project, some for friends, doctors and neighbors the list just goes on and on.

It struck me each cookie was baked with a little love and each was being donated.  It amazed me how generous my angel is and you should know she can not eat a cookie because of her diabetes.  Yes an angel can have diabetes.

Suddenly the silence was broken when she said, “You seem very quite”.  I replied, “I guess I am just thinking about the true meaning of Christmas”.  The truth is I was in awe of being next to an angel because there is more to this story.

My angel lives alone, on a small disability allotment, she is not in good health, she visits doctors more often than I go to the grocery store.  Her nurse, care giver and therapist are regular visitors and yet she has the heart, and motivation to give what little she has too others in the form of cookies for Christmas.

She turned to me and said “those four big bag over in the corner are for you to deliver.  I was afraid I couldn’t get them done and I really wanted to help those folks for Christmas.”  I could feel the love for mankind in the air.  Here she was, overcoming the effects of spinal surgery in November and her only true concern was cookies for others in need.

I walked over, bent down and reached into one of the large bags, my hand grabbed one smaller decorative Christmas bag filled with cookies; oatmeal raisin, chocolate chip, peanut butter and of course traditional Christmas sugar cookies.  As I looked at the Santa on the bag the angel spoke, “I hope this helps”.  There before me were over 200 bags of cookies all to be donated to the Manchester Area Council of Churches for their Christmas dinner program.

The angel spoke again, “I wish I had $50.00 to give each of one of the people that will get one of those bags they really need it.”  I know if she had the money she would give it away, I have seen her do it before.

There before me was the true meaning of Christmas and I was visiting with an angel, she spoke one last time, “I always felt it was better to give than receive, giving provides great joy.”  I was inspired, inspired to write and ask you to consider a gift to those in need this Christmas in the name of an angel………………

Please visit the Manchester Area Council of Churches donation page on the internet

http://www.macc-ct.org/donate.html

 

In these last few days before Christmas please forward a link to this page to your friends so that others can have a very Merry Christmas.

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December 14, 2010 · 4:25 pm

A SPECIAL MESSAGE FROM SANTA

Global warming has been a concern here at the North Pole but the elves have been busy and the sleigh is ready for the big trip on the 24th.  There are however a few other minor problems to iron out this year before my trip.

I am negotiating with Homeland Security and I’ve got to tell you life is not easy when it comes to dealing with your government.  First it’s the customs thing concerning a full inspection of the sleigh and all contents.  They tell me this could take days and I don’t have that kind of time to waste.

Next they start talking about some kind of full body pat down.  Now let me tell you, I don’t mind them rubbing my tummy, kids have been doing that for years, but I am not about to take off my boots.  They have no concept of how difficult it is for a man my size to do that.  Why Mrs. Claus has to help me putting them on and she is staying home keeping the fire burning.

That’s not the end of it either.  The Agriculture department is complaining about transportation of none native insects.  They want to comb my beard out and put my reindeer in quarantine.  Those people have no clue as to what that means to the children and my deliver system.  I can tell you, this will not be tolerated!

Then I get word from some organizations of Union Labor that says the teamsters are upset about me driving the sleigh because they are sympathetic to their brother coal miners.  It seems there is a new tariff on imported none union coal.  If they don’t back off they’ll be getting nothing but coal this year.

Have you heard of the Obama family?  They seem to do nothing but cause trouble.  Michelle wants to regulate the fat content in cookies!! Just who does she think she is?  Then there’s that Barack fellow, he wants to see my list of who’s been naughty and nice.  I told him he’ll see my list when I see his birth certificate, which seems to have shut him up.

Now one last thing just who are these PETA people?  They tell me they have issues with Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer and all the other reindeer pulling the sleigh.  Let me tell you what I told them, “You may have issues but I have no subscriptions”.  I never heard of anything more ridiculous.

Connecticut was the only state that gave me a headache in my trip planning.  That Attorney General Richard Blumenthal wanted to hit me with a lawsuit over the safety features on the sleigh.  I told him “that sleigh was inspected by the 1st Air Cavalry in Vietnam during 1967; sorry you weren’t there to see it”.  He dropped the suit.

Well that’s it.  I feel confident all things will be ironed out in time to leave.  I should be arriving in Connecticut during the early morning hours of the 25th.

I will be coming to your house so please leave out some cookies and a nice big glass of chocolate milk.  Merry Christmas………

SANTA

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December 10, 2010 · 10:57 am

White House Christmas Entertainment Coming to Coventry, CT

This year marks the 87th lighting of the National Christmas Tree.  The President traditionally celebrates the Christmas season with the fanfare and entertainment.  This year was no different but this year some of the entertainment from the event is going to be performing in Coventry on December 16th.

While First Lady Michelle Obama read the “Twas the Night Before Christmas by Clement Clarke Moore in Washington she is not expected to attend Coventry’s celebration.  The U. S. Coast Guard Band which performed on the Ellipse at the White House will be performing here in Coventry on December 16th.

If you want to see the National Christmas Tree celebration the taped broadcast it will be aired on CPTV on December 13th at 9:00 pm.  Other musical performers include Grammy award-winning group Maroon 5; singer-songwriter Sara Bareilles;  and blues artist B.B. King.

The Coventry Holiday Concert with the U. S. Coast Guard Band will be held at Coventry High School Veteran’s Auditorium from 7-9:00 pm on Thursday December 16th.  The event is free.  Coventry Human Services will be collecting donations to benefit the Holiday Food and Gift Program.  Donations of new and unwrapped gifts for all ages and gift cards will be welcome.

Since its formation in 1925, the Coast Guard Band has developed an international reputation as one of the finest professional concert bands in the world, offering music of great variety and appeal. This is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a quality performance presented by the dedicated men and women of our military.

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November 23, 2010 · 12:48 pm

A Time of Remembrance and Thanksgiving

This is the time of the year when much thought is given to family gatherings, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Holidays.  For some mother’s it is a time of memories, a time when the mind recalls the past, the warmth and memories of all the family coming home to be gathered around the table for an annual Thanksgiving feast.

For other moms it is a painful memory as they see an empty chair once occupied by a little boy, his laughs, and his smile will never be forgotten.  Today he is a memory, she will never see her son again and she will never forget the flag draped across his coffin, the honor guard and the sound of taps.  On this Thanksgiving remember them and their shared sacrifice.

As your family gathers together for Thanksgiving take a moment to reflect on others.  Please give thanks and remember those brave men and women serving our nation in foreign lands.  Give thanks for their families, and pray that next year their empty chair will once again be occupied not by a memory but with a smiling and hungry son or daughter.

We have much to be thankful for as a nation, we are blessed to be living in the United States of America.  We are a nation of plenty, we are a nation of freedom, and we are a nation that owes those that sacrifice for our nation a large debt of gratitude

Many people are now working on their mailing list for greeting cards and will add one more address this year.  One more card, it may not be much but it can carry a special message to a special person.

Will you consider adding one more card to your list?  Maybe you can include a special note; it will only take a minute of your time, if you can please send it to:

Holiday Mail for Heroes

P.O. Box 456

Capitol Heights, MD

20791-5456

Being away from home can be difficult and challenging for a soldier letting them feel forgotten is inexcusable.  This address is provided through the Red Cross and all letters must be postmarked by December 10, 2010.

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