What is the World Coming To?

May we continue to be fervent in our prayers. There is so much turmoil going on in our nation, in our families and around the world, that it’s hard to watch the news and decipher which part of the world the chaos is occurring in on that particular day. It is my belief that God has been trying to slap some sense into us for quite some time now; to remind us that this life is not all about us, but about His purpose for us.

It seems like we have strayed far away from sound doctrine and principle. Far too many are conforming to whatever and that can be a deadly mistake. There are certain things that people do, that used to make me think that they were just plain ole crazy. However, the more you look at it, you will find that they are laced with an unimaginable evil…something sinister, bizarre and very real. There is no excuse in that, just a choice.

It is hard to watch the news anymore, because you will be depressed in the first few seconds of the broadcast, regardless of which network you look at. People are desperate and resorting to engaging in desperate things. But, are we being just as desperate in our obedience, prayer life, goodness and fruitfulness?

We cannot continue to blame the Devil for what he or she does, because they are merely doing their job. Yes, they are busy! The question is, are we praying and doing our job that God sent us here to do? Are we being even busier than our enemy is? We have to seriously look in the mirror at who we truly are, then remember whose we are. We have to make that change and not pass the blame for our shortcomings or depend on someone else to do it for us.

The world is not for us to abuse, but to take care of. With all of the bizarre weather changes occurring everywhere and where peace can find no refuge, we are running into some serious conditions with tragic consequences. Whatever the world is coming to is in the power of our hearts. We can either work together to make a positive difference, or we can continue to be divisive, simply because we have the freewill to do so. The world will not get any better if we just continue to let it be. We have to make that change…you and me!

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Celebrating Presidents Day!

“Honesty is the first chapter of the book of wisdom.” -Thomas Jefferson

President’s Day is a celebratory time set aside to honor all of our U.S. Presidents. Normally Presidents George Washington and Abraham Lincoln are symbolically identified with this occasion, since both of their birthdays fell within a short time of each other during the month of February. George Washington was initially linked to the formation of Presidents Day.

“I leave you, hoping that the lamp of liberty will burn in your bosoms until there shall no longer be a doubt that all men are created free and equal.” -Abraham Lincoln

Prior to 1968, this fact did not seem to bother anyone and things were running along smoothly in the birthday celebration department. February 22nd was observed as a federal public holiday to honor the birthday of George Washington and February 12th was observed as a public holiday (in most states) to honor the birthday of Abraham Lincoln.

“Neither a wise man nor a brave man lies down on the tracks of history to wait for the train of the future to run over him.” -Dwight D. Eisenhower

However, in 1968, the 90th Congress was determined to create a uniform system of federal Monday holidays, so they voted to shift three existing holidays (including Washington's Birthday) to Mondays. The law took effect in 1971. As a result, Washington's Birthday holiday was changed from its fixed February 22 date to the third Monday in February. This change was not without controversy. There was some concern that Washington's identity would be lost (since the third Monday in February would never fall on his birth date of February 22nd). Since 1968, President’s Day is celebrated on the third Monday in February when we pay tribute to every individual who served in the office of President of the United States of America.

“As we express our gratitude, we must never forget that the highest appreciation is not to utter words, but to live by them”. -John F. Kennedy

We are blessed to have the freedom in this country to vote in a democracy where we have the ability to select the candidate we wish to see in office. Although many people do not hold some of our Commanders-in-Chief in the same high esteem, there is no doubt that regardless of our political affiliations or views, our country is not governed by a dictatorship. Thank God for that! Sometimes we tend to take the freedoms we are able to enjoy for granted; freedoms that other countries would only dream about experiencing. We must be mindful that although we have the freedom of speech, we must not allow our tongues to defile our character and spirits. Just because you have the right to speak what is on your mind, does not mean that it is always appropriate or necessary.

So, on this Presidents Day, let us take a moment to reflect on what a great country we live in. May we never forget how blessed we are to be in a nation where we have the opportunity to soar beyond our wildest dreams and where people, no matter what race, creed or gender you are, can get an education and practice their religion without suffering cruel consequences. Let us also take this moment, to salute our military men and women, along with their families. It is because of them, that the freedoms we enjoy every day, is protected.

“Focusing your life solely on making a buck shows a certain poverty of ambition. It asks too little of yourself. … Because it’s only when you hitch your wagon to something larger than yourself that you realize your true potential.” -Barack Obama

Hail to the Chief!

Only One Day for Valentine’s Day? Surely You Jest?

“Love is something eternal; the aspect may change, but not the essence.” ~Vincent Van Gogh

Traditionally millions around the world celebrate Valentine’s Day on February 14th. Before I go into a brief history about the story of St. Valentine’s Day, I always wondered why so much emphasis is placed on this one day and not echoed throughout the year. After this one day of giving bouquets of flowers, balloons, cards, romantic dinners, chocolates, proposals and a strong declaration of love between two people, what happens during the other 364 days of the year? Where are the lovey-dovey fireworks on ordinary days like May 2nd, August 25th or October 10th?

Love is not a thing, but an emotion. It can be expressed through acts of love in a myriad of ways. However, I don’t personally think that we should contain strong expressions of showing and sharing your love or affection only during a 12-24 hour time frame on February 14th? Do you?

According to www.theholidayspot.com, the story of St. Valentine has two different versions - the Protestant and the Catholic one. Both versions agree upon Saint Valentine being a bishop who held secret marriage ceremonies of soldiers in opposition to Claudius II who had prohibited marriage for young men and was executed by the latter. The most plausible story surrounding St. Valentine is one not centered on Eros (passionate love) but on agape (Christian love): he was martyred for refusing to renounce his religion. Valentine is believed to have been executed on February 14, 270 AD.

Thus, February 14th became a day for all lovers and Valentine became its Patron Saint. It began to be annually observed by young Romans who offered handwritten greetings of affection, known as Valentines, on this day to the women they admired. With the coming of Christianity, the day came to be known as St. Valentine's Day. But, it was only during the 14th century that St. Valentine's Day became definitively associated with love.

So as you walk into the stores, saturated with all sorts of great ideas for Valentine’s Day, keep a snapshot of this image in your mind, as it reminds you to practice LOVE every day of the year. And even if you don’t have a significant “other” to share Valentine’s Day with, treat yourself to a bouquet of flowers, a box of chocolates, a massage, a pedicure or manicure, a makeover, a new hairstyle or some sexy lingerie. Don’t wait for someone else to make you feel good about you. You may be waiting for a very long time!

And if you are really feeling lonely on Valentine’s Day, don’t sulk about it. If you know of a senior citizen who is lonely, buy them a Valentine’s Day card or some flowers and surprise them with it. Or if you want to buy some Valentine’s Day cards, sign it and give it to some of the residents in a nursing home or children’s hospital, you would be sharing an awesome act of love and you will feel so good about it too! That sense of loneliness you were probably feeling will subside, when you see how much you made someone’s day that may be in a worse scenario than you.

Let’s not just accept February 14th as the only day to hype up your expressions of love for someone. Do it every single day of your life. Doing something nice and sweet for someone is something they won’t easily forget, especially when they are lonely! Be creative! Celebrate life! Have a Happy Valentine’s Day everyone!

“Love is a promise, love is a souvenir, once given never forgotten, never let it disappear.” ~John Lennon

http://www.kymgmoore.com/

Celebrating the Month of February, 2011

As we exit the first month and look forward with anticipation to the rest of this year, this month is a very significant time that we continue to excel and celebrate. This month we celebrate Black History Month, American Heart Month, National Children’s Dental Health Month and AMD/Low Vision Awareness Month. In addition, here are some important days found on the calendar that we invited to also observe this month:

Give Kids a Smile Day – February 1

National Freedom Day – February 1

Groundhog Day – February 2

Chinese New Year – February 3

National Wear Red Day – February 6

Superbowl Sunday – February 6

Boy Scout Day – February 8

National Condom Day – February 10

Valentine’s Day – February 14

President’s Day – February 21

"Celebrate the happiness that friends are always giving, make every day a holiday and celebrate just living." ~ Amanda Bradley

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