Go Placidly Amidst the Noise of Christmas . . .

Every year after Christmas Eve dinner and before we unwrapped presents from the family, Grandpa read the story in Luke about the birth of Christ. This old man with chiseled features from years of manual labor; hands gnarled from sculpting in wood and steel became himself filled with wonderment. The image of him holding the Bible with such tenderness made me imagine him cradling the holy infant in his hands as well as his heart. At that moment, I understood how this child who changed the world could bring the rich and powerful, the poor and needy, the young, the old, the strong and frail to their knees.

There is nothing selfish or haughty or hateful or cynical in the message of Christmas and when hearts do become burdened by flicks of id (produced and scattered by a godless society), individually, we silently yearn for the peace that comes from love. The message of Christmas is an invitation delivered in the form of a child. What is more needy or trusting than a baby? What fills the human heart with more unconditional love than a head-bobbing snuggle from a newborn? Humanity, now more than ever, needs this type of intimacy.

Christmas, if we let it, brings nourishment to strengthen the soul and humble the spirit. With that thought in mind, I wish you and your loved ones a very, MERRY CHRISTMAS

To all the men and women serving our country, to those who are grieving the loss of a loved one during this holiday season, to those who are searching for meaning in their lives, to those suffering from addictions, and to all my friends, family and loved ones, I wish you all peace, love, safety, and the blessings of Christmas throughout the new year.

IMPORTANT - I received this notice and wanted to pass it on to you. I am so grateful to have you as a friend and hope you feel the same. There are changes coming and the following notice will explain what they are. I hope you'll take the time to update so we will still be friends in the new year.

An update on Google Friend Connect

16 hours ago by A Googler

In 2011, we announced the retirement of Google Friend Connect for all non-Blogger sites. We made an exception for Blogger to give readers an easy way to follow blogs using a variety of accounts. Yet over time, we’ve seen that most people sign into Friend Connect with a Google Account. So, in an effort to streamline, in the next few weeks we’ll be making some changes that will eventually require readers to have a Google Account to sign into Friend Connect and follow blogs.

As part of this plan, starting the week of January 11, we’ll remove the ability for people with Twitter, Yahoo, Orkut or other OpenId providers to sign in to Google Friend Connect and follow blogs. At the same time, we’ll remove non-Google Account profiles so you may see a decrease in your blog follower count.

We encourage you to tell affected readers (perhaps via a blog post), that if they use a non-Google Account to follow your blog, they need to sign up for a Google Account, and re-follow your blog. With a Google Account, they’ll get blogs added to their Reading List, making it easier for them to see the latest posts and activity of the blogs they follow.

We know how important followers are to all bloggers, but we believe this change will improve the experience for both you and your readers.

Posted by Michael Goddard, Software Engineer

LOVE

Happy Valentine's Day!

I think Thomas Merton said it best (and unfortunately I'm going to paraphrase) when he said, "If you love someone and still want to change them, then you are wanting to love a reflection of yourself and not love the other person for who they actually are."

I wish you true love and all the joys that come with that. If you write about love, I hope it's in its purest form and shines brightly on the strength and commitment two people share. And if you need inspiration or clarification as to what true love is, look into the eyes of a baby and be renewed.

MAKING THAT FIRST CONTACT

I had the opportunity to chat with CL Gammon about "Begotten With Love" on his blog talk radio program this morning. If you'd like to listen to the half hour show just click on the following link:  CL Gammon Program. CL is very charming and made me feel comfortable throughout the interview. Thank you CL for a fun half hour.

One of the questions he asked: ". . . were family members receptive?"  My experience has always been very positive. I treasure my newly found cousins and am grateful for all they've shared. It's been fun to discover personal traits we share; enjoy a poignant moment walking the path of our shared ancestors; and visiting old homesteads and cemeteries together.

If you've not yet contacted anyone my suggestions would be:

• Write a note explaining who you are and how you think you may be related (you'll be surprised how often you may receive a response) especially if you include a picture they may recognize.
• Share a story about your side of the family . . . one they may have heard and see if they may embellish it. You know how stories have a tendency to grow. My cousin could start a round of laughter when he talked about his donkey, Blue Creek Bill.
• Grandma's recipe box may open doors (and mouths) especially if you bake a batch of her favorite cookies to share.

It seems the kitchen table is still the heart of the home and the point of connecting with family is to build on relationships. Happy hunting. 

Jo Ann V. Glim is a 40 year veteran of  freelance writing and author of the eBook "Begotten With Love." To learn more:

FOLLOW/Like: on Facebook or
VISIT: www.BEGOTTENtheBook.com or
BUY ON: Amazon.com/author/joannglim

HOLY WEEK

This is a busy week in the Christian/Judeo family. This is a Holy week, indeed. Many family gatherings. Many meals prepared and served. And stories told around the table. Some will be Biblical. Some will be remembrances. Many will be re-hashing the celebrations of the past. The ones that begin with "Remember when" are the best and as time goes by become family classics with a life of their own.

This is a time to remember family. To love them for who they are. To share the good times with a huge helping of laughter. To give thanks for the beauty in spirit of each person you meet, to recognize the patience and wisdom of your elders and the innocent folly of the young. To ask for forgiveness and to generously offer the same for hurts, real and imagined.

This is an ideal time to become the family historian for a moment and ask questions about your heritage, your family, the gifts, goals and dreams of those who came before you. To examine your own life's goals and if need be, make life altering commitments or decisions to follow a positive path.

However you celebrate this week, realize that you are spirit living a human experience* and absorb the wisdom of the messages received. Live this week to the fullest.

Peace, love and joy to all.

*I'm sorry to say, I cannot remember the book from where this quote came but it's a quote I have taken to heart. If you know the source, please share it with us.


Jo Ann V. Glim is a 40 year veteran of  freelance writing and author of the newly released eBook "Begotten With Love." To learn more:

FOLLOW/Like: on Facebook or
VISIT: www.BEGOTTENtheBook.com
BUY ON: Amazon.com/author/joannglim

BOOK TRAILER on YouTube