December 18, 2017 Monday#legworkout#strongJoesph#Christmasprep#God'slights!

Get Fit
Work out those legs a little, we all spend too much time sitting.  I thought yesterday I would rack up steps but in fact I didn't.  I went to two churches and sat for an hour.  When I got home I did a little straightening up and then sat and watched TV and wrote Christmas cards.  It was productive but not for exercise.  So today, I worked out the legs that I didn't use yesterday.  Make yourself promises, or trick yourself into walking - but get moving.  The Christmas calories are happening!

Get Faith
There is not much that is more spiritually lifting than a group of children telling the Christmas story.  I have seen a number and am never bored or tired of seeing them.  Yesterday was a great example.  The readers that told the story and the three angels, three wise men and shepherds that recited the Bible story about their parts were great, always one that is the loudest with the others following.  I loved that Joseph did some arm pumps showing strength while standing up at the manger, he was obviously up to the task of caring for the baby Jesus.  Pastor sat behind me and we shared joy at the high points.  And then there was the cookie walk, who doesn't love the cookie walk?

On this day
1990 - Nicole was 5 so she was in kindergarten and went in the afternoon.  We took advantage of the morning and went to Norm for a haircut and then I took her to school, went back to St Paul's and gave out food baskets then over to Mom's house in Eastpointe to pack my summer clothes in her basement where I kept them.  It is a blessing to have so many clothes you need to store them somewhere for the season.  WE were heading to Florida to Grandma and Grandpa's the day after Christmas.

1787 - New Jersey became the third state to ratify the U.S. Constitution. Jeopardy fact!!!

Greenland Christmas

HEAD OUT INTO THE NIGHT IN ILULISSAT WITH A HEADLAMP ON YOUR FOREHEAD.

You will be going on a 20-30 minute hike from the old helipad to Holms Bakke. Your guide will tell you stories about the Northern Lights.

Hopefully, the Northern Lights will appear while you stand and gaze out over the Ice Fjord.

On the way, you will get to enjoy some coffee, tea or a so-called ‘Greenlandic coffee’. There will also be hot chocolate for the children. 
  WOW!!!!! Great Christmas lights!

Enjoy the day!  Make it memorable!  Happy Birthday to Dean P and Dan N!

December 17, 2017 Sunday#Run!#skGodtohelp#ToysrUs!#Francethefriend#littlesurprises!

Get Fit
I did today.  I went to church with Nicole and then made it back home to see the childrens' program at First English and help with the cookie sale.  You could say I was on a run - you could.

Get Faith
John 16:24  "Ask, using my name, and you will receive, and your cup of joy will overflow."  Pastor Krister talked about doing the work of the Lord, for the Lord, work like healing or helping the blind see.  Jesus did not necessarily mean health and sight.  You can reach out to someone to heal their non belief or a person who is blind to see faith.  If you have a question about this, ask God and he will give you the words to use - more than you need.  And it will make YOU happy.  Ask.

On this day
1988  It was a Monday and I had worked at Quality.  I have many memories of that company and the wonderful/interesting people I worked with.  During this time I was working strictly for the family insurance.  I was lucky to have that option.  When I got home I (and maybe Mark) went shopping to Toy R Us.   Aaron would have been 11 and Nicole 3 - big reasons to go to a toy store.  My basket was full and as I got closer to the cashier I began looking for my checkbook.  I was not using credit cards then.  I realized I did not have my checks with me and had to leave my treasures behind.  I think they held the basket while I ran home - I only remember that horrible feeling of not accomplishing that single - so important task.  Oh the joy of the holidays.

1777 - France recognized American independence. Thank you France!

Ululissat Greenland
Christmas in Greenland

Greenland's Christmas traditions are unique, right down to the fact that Christmas trees have to be imported because it's too cold in Greenland for them! 

In Greenland, local Christmas customs are similar to those of the Kingdom of Denmark because of their political affiliation. Trees are decorated and adorned with candles, paper heart, paper flowers and more trees Chuck, but also Greenland and Danish flags and with little surprises.

Gifts are placed underneath the tree.

Enjoy the day!  Make it memorable!  Happy Birthday Devon!

December 16, 2017 Saturday # Yoga#plantaseed#warning!#dogsled!

Get Fit
You know I love my Saturday morning AM Yoga.  What a sweet way to start the day.  And, the cat was nice and just watched me today. ahhhhh

Get Faith
Matthew 13:32  "Though it (the mustard seed) is the smallest of all your seeds, yet when it grows, it is the largest of garden plants and becomes a tree, so that the birds of the air come and perch in its branches."   The Bible mentions planting seeds a lot and they aren't always the type of seeds that grow plants.  You can plant a small seed of faith in someone and hope that it is nurtured into a strong faith.  They call start up churches "seeds", planted in a community to grow a congregation.  A small deed performed or gift given can plant a seed of love into a heart that needs to be loved.  Even a Christmas card with a nice message can plant a gift of care into someone's life.  God is love. Share it.

On this day
1987  Nicole was only two when I really realized that my husband had serious problems with responsibility.  When I confronted him with what I thought was a realistic question about opening a credit card, he blew up and walked out the door.  It was a warning signal.  Very often these problems can become real noticeable at the holidays.  Financial responsibility, drinking problems and depression can rear their ugly heads during the holidays and then hide again after.  Take a suggestion from me and don't overlook it while it is growing into something monumental.   Holidays can be brutal.

1809 - Napoleon Bonaparte was divorced from the Empress Josephine by an act of the French Senate. See, this is what I mean about the holidays!

Ilulissat Greenland

We don't see too man dog sled signs around here..... none actually.
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Enjoy the Day!  Make it memorable!  Happy Birthday Anne!  

December 15, 2017 Friday#Takecare#ThankyouLordJesus#busydays#Whataview!

Get Fit
The holidays are terrible on our health.  We don't take care of ourselves, we don't eat right (Christmas cookies) we stress about being prepared and all the multitude of other things that go on, AND  we come into more germs in a day than we do in a month the rest of the year.  Oh, and there is no time to exercise.  Take a deep breathe today, make a list of those things you have to do, sit down a few minutes and pray - eat a good breakfast!  Good luck!

Get Faith
Romans 6:23  "For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord."  Your sins are forgiven, you are free from death.  You just need to know that Jesus Christ died on the cross to be sacrificed for your sins and save you for eternity.  Merry Christmas!  Best present ever!

On this day
1986  Mom came over and we went shopping at the Macomb Mall, Toys are Us, Children's Palace and then stopped for groceries at Chatham after that.  Nicole would have been 1 1/2 and loved to shop even then.  When I got home I did laundry.  Mark was selling race video's at the time and some people stopped by that I'm not sure who they were.  See what 31 years can do to your memory?  Does this sound like your days right now?  I was blessed to be home with Nicole for 8 years.  I did work part time (2 days a week) most of those years and was involved with church etc - but my heart goes out to those with babies and toddlers that have to work full time.  This was the year my brother Mark died the day after Thanksgiving, which would have been the month before.  Mom and I were still grieving his loss, and keeping busy.

 1791 - In the U.S., the first ten amendments to the Constitution, known as the Bill of Rights, went into effect following ratification by the state of Virginia. Always room for change - it has to happen as time goes along.

Ilulissat Greenland
This is listed as a luxury hotel - I am sure it is the view that gives it this rating!!!

Enjoy the day!  Make it memorable!  

December 14, 2017 Thursday #Checkups#humility#HOAChristmasparty#Mankiller?Icebergparadise!

Get Fit
Sometime the best way to stay healthy is to get those check ups.  I had to go get a needle biopsy on my right breast today, it seems there is a little something they wanted to check.  Glad I had it done and got an excuse to not have to shovel the 6" of snow outside.   Be careful if you do shovel!

Get Faith
James 4:6  "But He gives more grace, Therefore He says: "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble."  I do believe I have managed to control my pride, somewhat.  I know if someone called me out on anything, years ago, my back went up ready for battle.  I have tried to learn the grace of nodding and acknowledging the other person's opinion, but it does not come easily.  Humility is best served with a spoonful of sugar and a smile.

On this day
1985  Aaron was 6 years old and had joined a bowling league by us so Mark picked him up on Friday and brought him home.  So this Saturday was busy, with bowling in the morning and then the neighborhood home owners assn Christmas party at the school in the afternoon.  Nicole was only 7 months old and not crazy about Santa but as long as her brother had her - all was good.  They did those parties for years,too bad they don't anymore.  The played music and had the kids (40 - 60 kids) sing the Christmas songs, eat pizza and then stand in line to see Santa, get a coloring book and candy cane and play with the other kids.  They were a lot of fun!

1985 - Wilma Mankiller became the first woman to lead a major American Indian tribe as she formally took office as principal chief of the Cherokee Nation of OKlahoma. Her name is somewhat forboding!

Ulilussat Greenland

ICEBERG PARADISE

In Ilulissat, not one moment passes that you forget your proximity to the dynamic sculpture gallery of icebergs just outside town. Even when you close your eyes, the icebergs’ soundtrack of cracking and rumbling echoes from one end of Ilulissat to the other.

There is no wrong way to experience icebergs, but just as one needs two eyes for accurate perception, you need multiple adventures to understand the icebergs in Ilulissat. It is only after you have marveled at their chiseled shapes from the air, felt tiny while sailing past them on boat tours, and smelled their sweet scent while hiking along the UNESCO World Heritage Site that you can grasp the full character of Ilulissat’s icebergs.  Well when you put it that way!!

Enjoy the day!  Make it memorable!  Happy Birthday to Michelle, Melanie and Dan!!

December 12, 2016 Tuesday #trainedcat#Peace#Christmasjoy#womenpower#Icebergparadise!

Get Fit
I have reached a new plateau with the cat.  Remember when I couldn't do floor exercises because he wouldn't leave me alone?  Well, now he sits on the table and watches patiently.  We have snow so I can't put him out and I think it is his way of telling me he appreciates me.  Pilates! not with cats.

Get Faith
Isaiah 57:19  "Peace, peace to those far and near ," says the Lord, And I will heal them."  What better message can we hear in this day and age.  There is so much hurt, anger and real hatred and it is all over TV.  For people with depression problems (and there are a lot) it can seem hopeless.  Our peace of mind and soul comes from the Lord.  If the entire world would go to Him, He would heal our world, but we have to be satisfied with our own peace, knowing our Savior.  Peace to you from our Lord and Savior Jesus the Christ.

On this day
1982  This Christmas was different.  Andy had moved in with me after his divorce in the summer and he had met Alice later through friends.  On this day Andy and I took the girls to church, I'm thinking it was the church the girls were used to going to.  I didn't have a church home at that time.  He only had the girls every other weekend so we made the best of our time together.  Christmas was coming so we decorated the Christmas tree and had a fun time until Andy had to take them home.  There was always a gloom over the house after they left, Andy was broken hearted to not have his girls in his life everyday.  It wasn't the guy he had been raised to be.  Christmas can be difficult for families.  Enjoy every bright spot you can.

1982 - 20,000 women encircled Greenham Common air base in Britain in protest against proposed cite of U.S. Cruise missiles there.  Wow, that is a great opener for conversation!  35 years ago, the power of women, and the annals of war.

ILULISSAT

Nature, dog sledding, and cultural exploration await you in this iceberg paradise.

TIP OF THE ICEBERG

Every town has a claim to fame, and in Ilulissat it is the icebergs, without a doubt. But you need more than a few helping hands to count all the reasons why Ilulissat is more than just icebergs. Nature lovers will be drawn to hiking in the hills by the call of the wilderness. We dare you to try to find a camping spot that doesn’t impress. In town and in nearby villages, city museums and local cuisine will whet even the most discerning palates.

Enjoy the day!  Make it memorable!  Happy Birthday Al and Olivia!

December 11, 2015 Monday#Christmasshopping#LOVE#Lovedones#LlewelynapGruffydd#brrrrrrr

Get Fit
Walking tour of Downtown Detroit today with 3 friends.  Cold and snowy - and walking!  good exercise.  Wish me luck.

Get Faith
1 Corinthians 13:7  "(Love) always perseveres."  God's love is what I think they are talking about, it is the only one that perseveres.  On the other hand, two years ago today my Mom passed away and I cried this morning remembering.  That love does not go away either.  the study writer recounted a story about a couple who had married because she was pregnant.  After years went by they realized they were not in love, but the girl went to her pastor and asked advice.  The pastor told her to act toward him like she loved him and eventually he believed it and she came to really love him also.  Good advice.  Love can persevere.

On this day
1979  Sometimes you need to love those people quickly.  On this day, I called my mom.  It sounds like a little thing, but I can't anymore.  Then Pete stopped by and dropped off filters for my furnace he has gone now so I can't call and say "hey, remember you brought those filters for my furnace in 1979?   Thanks again."  He is gone.  I brought my brother Mark home to spend the evening with me and have dinner, he is gone also.  My cousin Darrel came over and patched a spot on my roof, we have not spoken in years.  I also called Pete's grandmother Xana - who has also passed.  One day, life is short don't put off contacting people you care about.

1282 - Llywelyn (Llewelyn ap Gruffydd) was killed in Cilmeri, central Wales. For my friend Don!  Some old Wales history you might want to look into!

Ilulissat Greenland

Ilulissat Book a Hotel In Out Get around See Do Eat Buy Sleep Stay safe Ilulissat is a city in Western Greenland. Located in the Disco Bay just by the Icefjord, from which it has gotten its name, Ilulissat has one of the most beautiful settings for a great greenlandic experience. Ilulissat is situated at the mouth of the Ilulissat Ice Fjord, which was included as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2004. The town is located next to the sea filled with icebergs from the most active glacier in the world, Sermeq Kujalleq. Excavations of the valley where Ilulissat show that people have inhabited the area for thousands of years, and it was once the largest town in Greenland. The town is also know for having almost the same number of sled dogs as people, currently the town is home to 4600 people and nearly 3500 sled dogs. And this is summer/ Pretty but looks like a tough place to live! Enjoy the day!  Make it memorable!  Happy Birthday Renata