Author Archives: magower

National Stress Awareness Day

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 forgivenessDo you get up early or rushed mornings? Are you being hurried in the morning?

One way to handle this is to get up as soon as you’re called. Don’t lay there thinking, I’ll lay her just one more minute. You’ll doze off again and one minute will turn into fifteen. You’ll feel rushed, angry, and tired all day.

 Do you dislike new situations?

I know I do. I feel uncomfortable and I find it hard to talk to people. This is natural, but take the time today, if you’re  in an uncomfortable situation,  talk to at least one new person.

 Do you feel like your parents or teachers expect too much.

Talk to them and tell them how you feel. Maybe you need to cut down on outside activities during the school year. Tell people how your feel.

Sometimes difficulties with peer friendships can cause you  stress.

Again, talk to them. Find an answer to whatever is. Talking to others isn’t always easy, but it’s important.

Do fights or disagreements with brothers and/or sisters cause you stress.

If your brothers  or sisters are younger, they might just want your attention. Play with them a little while. Kids get bored quick. They’ll find something else to do and you can do what you want.

 Find out what bothers or stresses you  and find a solution. You’ll feel a lot better.

Passover

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passoverPassover is a Jewish holiday and festival. It celebrates the story of the Exodus, when the Israelites were freed from slavery in Egypt. The Jewish people celebrate Passover for seven or eight days. It is one of their most widely observed Jewish holidays.

Even though the ingredients included in the Passover recipes are kosher, each community follows its own customs. One community may use something for Passover and another may not. I hope I haven’t missed any. Any processed food must have a reliable “Kosher for Passover” certification.

Preparing the Seder plate requires several hours of work. It is advisable to get other members of the house to help so that the work will be completed before the Seder begins. It is best to prepare all the seder foods before the onset of the Holiday in order to avoid halachic questions.

The special foods we eat on Passover are also food for thought. Every item on the Seder plate abounds in meaning and allusion. The Seder plate has six items on it, arranged in a special order. The plate is placed on top of the covering of the three matzot and is placed in front of the head of the household. I listed the foods of the Seder plate  below, with the reason each is included.

Shank Bone is a  piece of roasted meat represents the lamb that was the special Paschal sacrifice on the eve of the exodus from Egypt, and annually, on the afternoon before Passover, in the Holy Temple.

A hard-boiled egg represents the holiday offering brought in the days of the Holy Temple. The meat of this animal constituted the main part of the Passover meal.

Bitter herbs (maror) remind us of the bitterness of the slavery of our forefathers in Egypt. Fresh grated horseradish, romaine lettuce, and endive are the most common choice.

The Paste  is a mixture of apples, nuts and wine which resembles the mortar and brick made by the Jews when they toiled for Pharaoh.

A non-bitter root vegetable alludes to the backbreaking work of the Jews as slaves.

The lettuce Kosher symbolizes the bitter enslavement of our fathers in Egypt. The leaves of romaine lettuce are not bitter, but the stem, when left to grow in the ground, turns hard and bitter.

We all have symbols in our faiths. It’s exciting to learn why and what the symbols of the Passover meal mean. It helps us be considerate of another’s religion. I attended a Sedar meal with a friend of mine. I was a very prayerful and special time for them to share with us. I hope one day you will get to share this special holiday, too.

Christ Within You

christ withinGod will put someone in your path today who doesn’t necessarily need you…but who desperately needs Christ in you.

 I love this picture by www.truthpressure.com. This picture displays  so much without words. I am fascinated by the image and will remember Jesus looking out through that eye. It would be amazing, if people could see God looking out through another’s soul. Wouldn’t you love to see God looking at you through someone else’s eyes. That’s why need to let Jesus reflect through our eyes and spirit. It is important when someone needs company. He is looking into that person’s soul for what they need from you at that moment. He will read their heart and guide our path.

 Whether your friends tell you or not, if God’s spirit is in your life, that’s why they looked for you. They experience your kindness and your God difference is felt by them. When they’re feeling down, they seek you out your calming spirit. Most times, we only need to spend time with them.

God continue to put people in our path at a moments notice. We are your vessels to feel Your love through. Jesus help us be a vessel to Your spirit

 

 

 

 

 

 

Today The Swallows Return to Capistrano

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swallowsThe legend of the swallows began when a local innkeeper destroyed their nests as an attempt to drive the birds away. He found the birds a nuisance. One of the mission fathers called the swallows to the mission. He gave them shelter and the swallows have returned every year.

Each year the swallows return to the Mission San Juan Capistrano, California. The Swallows might start returning today, but they return all through the month of March. It’s sad because of the growth of Capistrano, fewer and fewer have been returning each year. The large number of tourists blamed for their decrease, too.

The swallows returning to Capistrano would be an amazing site. I am always amazed, when I’m able to watch sparrows, starlings, and other varieties of birds gathering together in the spring and summer evenings. Thousands of birds form their own group and swirl around in the air until everyone join together.

Our town has a large population of crows and are they noisy at dawn and dusk. As noisy as they are, I’m excited each time. Their aerial displays  can go on for an hour or more. If you can’t make it to San Juan, Capistrano for a vacation, step outside and enjoy the return of the roosting birds each evening. They’re not swallows, but they are amazing creatures.

God’s Name is Sacred

God's name2To use the name of God is a solemn thing, not to be taken lightly. To invoke the name in a curse against the innocent is to call him who is Justice to be unjust and him who is Life to be death. Scripture is adamant that to do this is an extremely dangerous violation of the covenant. Salt and Light

God has many names. He’s called Jesus, Jehovah, El Shaddaih, and Yahweh. No matter what He’s called, we need to use His name with respect. I’m sure you’ve heard God’s name used as a curse word? Why would someone dishonor Jesus’ name. To us God’s or Jesus’ name in anger is childish. I guess it’s supposed to scare us or show how angry a person is, but we all know it’s wrong. It is one of God’s commandments..

I stop listening to what people are saying, when they are so disrespectful. We all need to stop and think, when we’re angry. It sounds silly, but say a small prayer instead. (God help me.) Those few seconds will give us time to cool down.  He would have respect for us, if we call on him.  We need to find other ways to handle our anger. Let your friends know you don’t appreciate it, when they curse using God’s name. God doesn’t like being the vessel for our anger.

Lord remind us to choose our words wisely. Remind us to be reverent to You and to your Father.

National Girl Scouts Day

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girl scoutsDo you belong to the Girl Scouts? If you’re not, why not join now. March 12 is the Girl Scout Birthday. In 1912 in Savannah, Georgia, Juliette Gordon Low officially registered the organization and the first 18 girl members. Low believed girls should have the opportunity to develop physically, mentally, and spiritually. Chartered by the US Congress on March 16, 1950, the girls met outside their homes with service projects, outdoor adventures, and enrichment programs.

Today, over 3.2 million girl and over 50 million women are Girl Scout alumnae. According to the mission statement of the organization, Girl Scouting builds girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place.

 If you like cookies, you will love the girl scout cookies. The cookie drive is anticipated each year. If you join the scouts, you’ll get to participate in the cookie sale and eat some cookies. You’ll learn many skills and help supply income for your troop. You’ll be able to us some money for scouting activities.

Sts. Perpetua and Felicity

St Felicity2Perpetua a beautiful, well-educated, a noblewoman of Carthage in North Africa. Her father was a pagan, (he had no religion) while her mother was a Christian. Petpetua’s father loved her, but he knew she could be put to death for her beliefs. He begged her to give up her Christianity.Comparing herself to a teapot, she asked if the teapot could be called anything else. Her father answered no and she replied it was the same with her. She was a Christian and could not be called by any other name.

Perpetua, comforted her father in his grief over her unwillingness to give up  her Christianity. She told him it was her belief that whatever happened was God’s choosing. She didn’t depend on her own power, but on the power of God.

Perpetua and Felicity (a slave woman and mother to be) and some other friends were threatened with death by the authorities, if they didn’t give up their Christian beliefs. The women didn’t. Perpetua was 22, when she and her friends were imprisoned. They were all sent to the amphitheater, where all the public games were played. The day before the games Felicity gave birth to her baby girl. The women were either put in the arena with the lions or publicly executed.

Unique Names Day

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names This is the day to acknowledge friends and family, who have a unique name. Many unfamiliar names come from ethnic (nationality) backgrounds. I love names that grab my attention.  I appreciate people who have an odd name and go through life acknowledging their nationality..

These people may never find their names on coffee mugs or key chains, but like their name, they are unique. If you or anyone you know has a different kind of name, discuss it. Find out why their parents or yours gave you the name you have. Celebrate name uniqueness today! Everyone’s name is special to them and their family.

 

National Chili and Chocolate Covered Nuts Day

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chiliToday is National Chili Day. Chili is believed to come from Mexico, but it wasn’t. It was, however, influenced by Mexican culture. It is also influenced by Native American and Spanish traditions. Chili originated in Texas, where all three cultures came together. Celebrate National Chili Day by having a delicious bowl chili tonight. How do you like your chili? Chili is protein-packed any way you like it. With beef, chicken or vegetarian, chili can be served with a side of cornbread. Chili is a fabulous comfort food for the winter season.

 chocolate covered nutsTo finish off your day, while you’re watching TV,  have chocolate cover nuts for dessert because this is also National Chocolate Covered Nuts Day.  Buy your almonds, filberts, or cashews covered with chocolate. Make them your dessert of choice for today.

National Polar Bear Day

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polar bearThis post will be a little different today. While I was looking up Polar Bear Day I found these facts about Polar Bears at the page below. If you want to get the full description of the thirteen facts go to the National Wildlife Federation page. It’s an amazing read.

http://blog.nwf.org/2011/02/national-polar-bear-day-13-things-you-may-not-know-about-polar-bears/

13 Things You May Not Know about Polar Bears

  1. The polar bear rivals the Alaska brown bear as the world’s largest land predator.
  2. Polar bears are closely related to brown bears.
  3. Brown and polar bears can interbreed and produce fertile young
  4. You can sometimes tell male polar bears from female by the hair on the males’ front legs.
  5. Polar bear hair is transparent
  6. Polar bears are so adapted to cold that they can’t take temperatures above 50 degrees.
  7. Wild polar bears probably live more than 25 years only rarely, but in captivity they have lasted up to 43 years.
  8. Despite the harsh winter conditions that batter the polar bear’s Arctic home, only females about to give birth hibernate.
  9. Most land animals are too fast for the bear to catch.
  10. Although polar bears eat everything from crabs to kelp to muskoxen, they are adapted to feeding on calorie-rich blubber.
  11. Found in Arctic reaches in both hemispheres, the polar bear maintains a foothold on more of its native range than any other large meat-eating animal
  12. The polar bear has been protected for many years.
  13. About 25,000 polar bears survive worldwide. 

Comment: Polar Bears are amazing animals who are in danger of becoming extinct due to global warming. Do  you love visiting the zoos and seeing the animals? We must, or we wouldn’t go. Are you sad knowing an animal is held in  captivity? They never get to live out their lives, as they would in the wild. They’re usually well taken care of, but if the zoo could get  injured animals from rescue farms or sanctuaries around the world, it would be better.

Exchanging giving a home to these animals in captivity would  help the world learn about them and save the  lives of the animals. They would live a better life. I’ll have to check, maybe the zoos already do this. If animals in zoos will live for many years, this gives zoos plenty of time to find a different solution to supplying animals to the zoos around the world. They could already be doing this. Maybe you’re the one, who will come up with a better  solution, when you’re older. It isn’t too early to start  searching for a solution.

I know I’m not knowledgeable enough or know if my idea is usable. I realized I don’ t know if they are already using a form of my suggestion,  but if they are not we need to find  a way. I’m just a grandmother, who loves animals and hates to see them behind bars. I’m just giving my feelings, which means I’m neither right or wrong. I will still go to the zoo and enjoy the monkeys and meerkats antics and all the other wonderful things they have to offer. I hope you will, too. I would never have gotten to see these creatures up close and I  appreciate what the zoo has to offer.  

Discuss this with your parents or teachers. See if you can find another solution. My idea may be  a silly or impossible solution,  but I was looking for a solution. How about you?

See more at: http://www.nwf.org/Wildlife/Wildlife-Library/Mammals/Polar-Bear.aspx#sthash.LQjHci7C.dpuf  and

http://www.nwf.org/Wildlife/Wildlife-Library/Mammals/Polar-Bear.aspx#sthash.LQjHci7C.dpuf