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Goodwill Toward Men

Goodwill Toward Men

Christmas Season

The Christmas season makes us think of goodwill toward men. Peace on Earth goodwill toward men. Christ came into the earthly world not only to bring peace but to bring humanity. The Christmas season celebrates the birth of Christ, a spiritual leader whose teachings form the basics of religion. Christmas became a federal holiday in the USA in 1870. We must never forget that Christ is the reason for the Christmas season. Christmas is not about celebrations and what kind of gifts you might receive.

Show Goodwill Toward Men

Love, show mercy and walk humbly with God. When you see someone needing help, always help them without expecting something in return. Be kind to people and have empathy for what they are going through. Help others to the best of your ability, as you may have health issues. Show kindness and tenderness in all of your acts and deeds with others. Be a cheerleader for people and never put other people down. Be compassionate, understanding, and caring, and always put yourself in the other person’s shoes. Do not Judge others, for God is the only judge of man.

Lift The Underdog

Suppose you see someone being made fun of; put the offender in his place, and tell him to stop what he is doing. If someone is sick and cannot keep up with the rest of the group, walk beside them. The underdog may be a great leader someday as he will know how not to treat others. If someone is crying, ask them if they may like to talk to you about what is troubling them. Send cards and letters to people who live alone or have lost a loved one lately. Praise people for a well-done job, as it will make their day. Put a smile on someone’s face every day. Be slow to anger and quick to forgive.

red lighthouse

Give Your Time To Others

Do not charge older adults for helping them as they cannot afford to pay out large amounts of money when they made only 4.00 dollars an hour or fewer years ago. If you do not help them unless you are paid, you do not have a lot of compassion for the plights of others. Remember, you will be old, and the money you have won’t have much of its value left, and I am sure you will want a compassionate person to help you out. I have heard of people charging older adults $20.00 to $46.00 an hour to help them buy groceries or clean their houses. They should be ashamed of themselves. The people they are working for worked 4 hours or one whole day for what they want for just one hour’s work. Volunteer to help people with health problems mow their lawns, rake their leaves, wash their clothes, get groceries to pick up their medicine, and so much more. I enjoy helping others to the best of my abilities, and I do not expect or want any payment from them, and I find it very rewarding. Show goodwill to others by treating them as you wish to be treated someday.

Scripture

Luke 2  – 14   Glory be to God in the highest, and on earth peace, goodwill toward men.

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The Art Of Becoming The Well Seasoned Traveler

The Art Of Becoming The Well Seasoned Traveler

Plan Out Your Trip

Have a general idea of what you want to see and do on your trip, and do not pack too many activities into one day, as you do not wish to be worn out and tired at the start of your journey. If a museum closes that you had planned to see, look at something else that might pique your interest. Museums do remodel and rearrange now and then, and must be completed to do that. Sometimes Forrest fires will prevent you from seeing something. Drive to a park and look at the beautiful scenery there. I love to look at and visit historical places. Do not get bent out of shape if you have to change your plans for the day, as that is just part of life.

Packing Your Suitcase

When you first start traveling, you pack everything but the kitchen sink. My first suitcase was vast and hard to maneuver in small areas. My bag got caught in a train door and almost became a suitcase of two cities before I ranked it clear from the train’s entrance. Trying to move it down the train isles was virtually impossible. I soon packed a sizeable carry-on suitcase for my main bag, and I did not miss a thing as I soon found out I could get by without all those extra items I used to pack in my giant suitcase.

Expect A lot Of Delays.

You will wait a long time at the airport before your plane departs. Getting through security may take up to two hours alone. Take a book to read, have a cup of Joe, and relax. Pay attention to potential gate changes and different times of departure. It will take a while for you to collect your luggage after you land. It takes time for your taxi to come and take you to your place of destination. Buses may run behind schedule occasionally, so be patient, wait, and be friendly and kind to people, as they cannot help with traffic delays. If the weather is terrible, you must stay overnight and hope the weather is better so you can fly out the next day. One time we had to drive home the next day from the airport because the weather would not improve shortly.

Take A Lot Of Pictures

I love to look at pictures of my trips in the USA and abroad. You can relive your special moments through your photographs. I take pictures of architecture, beautiful scenery, flowers, historic homes, animals, monuments, and the friends I travel with.

Buying Treasures And Gifts

I collect crosses that do not take up much room and are easy to carry with you on a trip. If you buy many items for gifts or family members, find your nearest post office and send them home, so you are not burdened trying to maneuver with them on your trip. Try to buy small items that do not take up much room. Do not over-pack your suitcase; some countries make you pick and choose what you want to keep or throw away until your bag reaches the required weight limit.

Be Aware Of Your Surroundings

Keep an eye on your luggage and purse at all times. One woman in England left her bag under her chair at a buffet, it went missing along with her passport, and she could not get home for ten days even though she was on tour with us. No one wants their beautiful trip to end that way. God bless you, and have a safe and memorable trip,

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Transitions

Transitions

Transitions Are The Continuous Process Of Change

We start living with our parents, attending school, and making friends. Our parents may have to relocate, and we must go to a new home, make new friends, and get used to our new surroundings. We continue to grow and learn and become more mature acting human beings. We know from others daily that we are alive on Earth, and hopefully, we will put our talents to good use.

Going To College

Leaving home for the first time is a big transition in any young person’s life. If you decide to live in the dorm, you will have to get used to living with a roommate or two. You will feel homesick until you start to make some friends in college. You will have to cook, clean up after yourself, and conduct yourself as a young adult. You will have to manage your time wisely, study for tests, and get your assignments in on time. Hopefully, you will have a fulfilling job that will take you far in life and help better the lives of others.

Getting Married

You have dated the love of your life for one year and decided to set the wedding date. Getting married is a big responsibility; you must learn to give and take to make your marriage work. You will get into arguments occasionally and have to agree on compromises.

Buying Your First Home

Do not spend more than what you can afford on a home. A big mortgage will drown you in debt for the rest of your life. You can find a reasonably priced and well-maintained older home as a suitable starter home. Older homes are constructed of much better materials, and most of them have beautiful woodwork compared to newer homes, and they have more character and charm about them.

Having A Baby

Before you have a baby, ensure you are financially sound, as raising a child into adulthood takes a lot of money. You should send your children to college if you want them to be successful and support themselves in life. Each parent should help raise a child and contribute equally to the child’s life.

Changing Jobs

The average person has 11.7 jobs in their lifetime. New jobs should offer a step up for advancement, or you might as well keep your old job. Relocating because of a new job can be very costly. You must think my spouse will also be able to get a job if we move. If you have children, you might not want to move until the end of the school year.

Going To Assisted Living

If you need help with things and do not think you can do what you want in your home, you may want to consider assisted living. You may have health problems or are not steady on your feet anymore. None of us ever want to leave our homes, but that time will come for all of us eventually.

God And Transitions

Life is full of transitions. Some of them are joyful, and others are painful. We let go of the familiar things in our energy and venture into the unknown. If you are going through a transition, ask God for help and praise and thank him, for God will amaze you with his presence in your life. We will have many changes in our lives, and God will help keep us on the right path that will help everyone the most.

Scriptures:

Deuteronomy 31: 6

Be strong and of good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them, for the Lord thy God, he it is that doth go with thee, he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee.

Philippians 4: 6 – 7

Be careful with nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your request be known unto God. And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

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Cats And Christmas Trees And Decorations Decorations And More

Cats And Christmas Trees, Decorations And More

Cats And Your Christmas Tree

If you put up a live tree, make sure you do not mix a powder with water to help preserve your tree. Cats have been known to drink the water under your live tree, and the water may kill your cat, or he will be very sick for a long time. Cats love to climb trees; your tree will fall to the groundbreaking decorations and make a big mess. Some cats may try to eat the pine needles, which will lodge in their intestines and cause a blockage. Vacuum up any fallen needles immediately to prevent that from happening to your cat. Pine tree needles can be fatal and cause liver damage to your pet cat. Ensure you cover up the water under your live tree so your cat cannot drink the toxic water. I prefer artificial trees, but cats can still knock them over. I like small ceramic trees that are molded with decorations, and they have internal lights that cannot cause any damage to your cat.

Cats And Decorations

Never put tinsel on your Christmas tree. Your cat may choke or have intestinal distress from eating and chewing on tinsel. If your cat chews on your Christmas tree lights, he can be badly burned or electrocuted. Broken glass and ornaments, and metal hangers can injure your cat. The fewer the decorations on your tree, the better off you and your cat will be. I like using plastic, cloth, or felt ornaments on a tree as these should be safe if your cat takes them off of your tree. I had a glass ornament fall off a tree once, which shattered into many small pieces before I had cats. If a cat eats a tree bulb that you had out to replace one when it burned out, your cat could die from the cuts; the bulb would cause going down his throat. Be extra cautious with tree decorations and lights if you must use them, and have a Dear beloved pet cat. You don’t want a Christmas without your cat because the decorations or lights killed him.

Christmas Packages

Do not put fancy ribbons on your packages under the tree as your cat could swallow the ribbon, and it can get stuck in their stomach and intestines; they will need immediate attention, Do not tie yarn on any packages as it can get stuck in the back of the throat or inhaled. If your cat gets wrapped up in wool, he could lose his blood supply to that body part. Be very careful of anything bright and shiny that you may put on your package, as cats are attracted to bright shiny objects that may cause permanent harm or death.

Christmas Toys For Your Cat

When buying toys for your cat, make sure they are large enough so your cat cannot swallow them. Please do not give your cat any toy with a battery in it as your cat may chew on it and get battery acid in its system that will cause corrosive damage as they are toxic to your cat. Some cat toys come with batteries in them that are pet approved. Give your cat toys that are meant for cats. Some cats like to play with sponges and empty toilet paper rolls, which is fine unless your cat starts to eat the sponge. If your cat eats plastic, it must be removed by you. He will need surgery if you cannot remove the plastic from your cat. I hope you and your cat have a safe, healthy, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.

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Joy

Hope, Joy, Peace And Love

Hope

We all hope for good health for our family and us. We hope for a positive outcome when we get tested at the hospital. Hope is essential to our well-being, as we must be optimistic about the future. We need to harness hope that things will improve for us in times of trials and tribulations. How do you give someone hope? You can help them, stay connected, accept them, and help them find something that completes them and makes them feel good about themselves. We put our hope in God as he is our security. God is the anchor for our souls.

Joy

Going on a trip with a friend or family is a great joy. Being healthy and in a reasonable frame of mind is a great joy. Buying a first home brings joy as you have worked very hard to have your own home. Eating a piece of your favorite dessert positively alters your mind and body. Dark chocolate and milk chocolate bring joy to adults and children. Joy is a feeling of great pleasure and happiness. I like to relax in a hammock, read a book on a nice sunny day, and sway back and forth in the gentle breeze. We feel joy when we are at our favorite sporting event. The joy of the Lord is your strength.

Peace

All of us want peace and harmony in our lives. We want to be free of conflicts and the fear of violence from groups and people. God brings peace into our lives every day. We do not wish to war, as there is no peace at war with other nations. When we are at peace, we have harmony and tranquility and are not anxious about things. Relax and unwind and slow down to find peace in your life. To have peace with God and others, not seek revenge, obey God’s commandments, and help people grow their faith in God.

Love

Everyone wants to and needs to be loved by someone. We have God, friends, and family that love us. Love is a deep feeling of affection toward someone or something. Sometimes one will say I love pumpkin pie or I love to go on a vacation as these are some of their favorite life things. Love is a deep romantic attachment to someone you have grown close to. I love my cats as they bring happiness and joy into my life. Love of God is associated with worship and devotion toward God. Love bears all things, and love never ends. God so loved the world that he gave him only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have everlasting life. John 3:16   The basic meaning of love is more than liking someone. Love means you are deeply committed or connected to someone or something. Love is patient; love is kind; it does not envy; it does not boast; it is not proud. 1 Corinthians 13: 4 – 8

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Everyday Household Cleaners That Could Kill Your Cat

Everyday Household Cleaners And More That Could Kill Your Cat

Bathroom Cleaners

Toilet bowl cleaner can kill your cat, or place reliable cleaners in your tank that dissolve and keep the tank and toilet clean. I never put any reliable cleaners in my toilet tank as my cat may decide to take a drink out of the bathroom. When I clean my toilet, I always close the lid until I have scrubbed out the tank and flush the toilet several times. Never leave toilet bowl cleaner in your tank, as your cat may drink it and die from ingesting it. When using bathroom cleaners and scrubbing pads, ensure your cat does not get any on their paws or lick any of the cleaners, as this could kill them.

Floor Cleaners

When using floor cleaners, keep an eye on your cleaning bucket and ensure your cat does not take a drink from the bucket. Carpet cleaners can be toxic to cats if they step on wet carpets and lick their paws. Floor polish could end up on your cat’s paws if you let them in the room before the polish is fully dry. Do not put aromatic carpet powder on your carpet as your cat may be attracted to the scent, and start licking your carpet as this may end up killing your cat.

Maintenance Sprays or Oil

If you use oil to lubricate your treadmill or spray oil on the locks on your doors so they work better, clean up any spilled oil so your cat cannot ingest any of it. If you put oil on your furniture to help preserve the wood, wipe off any excess fat with a cloth. Oil can be very toxic to cats.

Laundry Products And Oven Cleaners

Laundry soap and fabric softener can be fatal if your cat licks or swallows. Laundry pods can be dangerous as your cat may think they are a toy. If your cat bites into a laundry pod, it could be fatal. Oven cleaner fumes can be toxic to humans as well as to pets.

Paints And Varnishes

Your cat could lick the paint, thinking it was good, such as yogurt. Cats can get their tails and their feet in the paint or varnish. Try to keep your cat out of your work area if possible. Keep a close eye on your cat at all times. The moment you may turn your back while working is when your cat may be poisoned.

Mouse Poison, Fertilizer, Weed Killer, And Insect Killer

Place mouse poison in a sealed container that nothing else can get into. Take pets out of your home if you have your house fumigated. Do not put granules outside your home to kill insects if you let your cat outdoors, as your cat might think the granules are a cat snack. Keep all your lawn fertilizers, weed killers, and garden sprays in a safe area your cat cannot access.

Keep Your Cat Safe From Household Cleaners And Chemicals And More

Store all cleaners, chemicals, oil, fertilizer, weed killer, poisons, paints, and more in an area your cat cannot get into. Keep an eye on your cat if you work with any of these. Keep your cat out of your work area. If you suspect that your cat has been poisoned, call your vet ASAP. Go to the closest vet in your area, as time is of the essence, as a few extra minutes could be the difference between life and death for your beloved cat. I hope you and your cat have many beautiful and memorable years together.

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Thanksgiving Day Mishaps Over The Years

Thanksgiving Day Mishaps Over The Years

The Bird That Would Not Get Done

I put my turkey in the oven at 5 AM, and it was not done until 2 PM. We sat down at the table and had our Thanksgiving day prayer, and we ate everything else except for the turkey. We played some board games, and we visited. I kept checking on the turkey’s progress until it was finally ready for us to eat at 2 PM. The turkey had been injected with water to add weight to the bird. I had purchased two turkeys, but the next one was put in the oven at 3 AM.

The Plight Of The Pumpkin Pie

I had made a pumpkin pie from scratch that I put in the oven on Thanksgiving Day. The pie looked delicious as it baked away in the oven. I took the pie out of the range to check on it and let it bake for 20 minutes. The pie looked perfect, and as I was removing it from the oven carefully, all of a sudden, it slipped off the baking sheet and landed upside down on the new carpet in the kitchen. I cleaned and cleaned the carpet. We ended up having ice cream.

The Refrigerator Stopped Working At Noon On Thanksgiving Day

Hustle and Bustle were done by moving refrigerator items to my freezer in the basement and my old GE refrigerator from the 1950s in the basement. Food items were starting to thaw out. I got the food items moved in the nick of time. The refrigerator upstairs was working fine at 9 AM, and by 11:30 AM, things were starting to move south. Luckily, I did not have to throw anything away, and I was very Thankful for that.

Relatives That Would Invite Themselves

We received a card from them on Thanksgiving day at 11 AM that they would be at our home for Thanksgiving day lunch. A plane had crashed in our field that morning, and luckily no one was hurt except for the plane. It was a hectic Thanksgiving day. We put more food on the stove, and everyone ate Thanksgiving.

Grandma And The Gravy For The Outdoor Cats

My grandmother loved to make gravy. After we had all the sauce we wanted, Grandma went outdoors with the leftover gravy in a skillet. One of our outdoor Toms jumped in the skillet, and Grandma was covered in gravy from head to toe as the skillet flew in the air and landed on the cement. Most of my cats were covered in sauce, but they had a cleaning party as they licked each other from head to tail.

Even With Mishaps In Life, There is Always Something To Be Thankful For

I am Thankful to have God, Family, Friends, and Cats In my life. All of my Thanksgiving over the years have been memorable and beautiful get-togethers. Be Grateful for all that you have given in your life. Hoping all of us have many more Thanksgivings.

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Live With A Thankful And Grateful Heart

Live With A Thankful And Grateful Heart

Be Thankful For All That You Have Been Given In Your Life

I was blessed with excellent, kind, and caring parents. I am blessed to have been born in the country, as I love living there. I am so grateful to be still able to live on my family farm. I am thankful for all of my cats. I love mowing the yard, gardening, trimming trees, painting, walking outside, and enjoying nature. I am grateful for the rental homes I owned over the years, as I have met many excellent people. I am thankful for all the outstanding tenants I have had and still have.

I Am Grateful For An Illness That Has Changed Me For The Better

I am closer to God now than I ever have been in my life. I was drawn to become a lay minister and a better shepherd to spread God’s word. I can visit with everyone now. I was shy and withdrawn from people before I had my illness. If you are sick, embrace your illness and do not let your condition empower you, as you must empower your disease as one of your strengths to help others. God has a reason for everything, and you must consider why. The reason may be to your benefit in the long run. I will start a conversation with others now as I seldom would before my illness.

Be Thankful For All The People That Have Helped You In Your Life

Remember that you would not be where you are today without all the help you have gotten from family and friends. People you have hired for different jobs that you needed to get done deserve a big vote of thanks, or your life would be in chaos, you may not have heat in your home, your car may not run, etc. Your Teachers, Doctors, Lawyers, and many more have helped you so you can contribute more to society. A stranger may have entered your life and significantly impacted your life, leading you to a better and more fulfilling job.

Be Grateful That You Have Food, Clothes, And Shelter.

Many people live in cardboard boxes, or they live in tents, or they have to brave the elements. Be glad you have clothes on your back, for many people do not, and they are cold and uncomfortable. Be happy you had a bountiful harvest; many have nothing to harvest. Many people go to bed hungry every night, and some only have food once a day, or they may only eat once in three days; never take what has been given to you for granted and give thanks and be grateful for what God has provided you.

Be grateful That You Have God By Your Side.

God is by your side night and day, protecting you from life’s storms. I thank God for my many blessings every night when I say my prayers before I sleep. Be grateful to all who cross your path and enrich your life.

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Thanksgiving Day And What it Means To Me

Thanksgiving Day And What It Means To Me

Prayers On Thanksgiving Day

Today we give thanks for our many blessings. We pray for those in need. We thank God for our family and friends. We pray for those who cannot be with us today. We pray for those that are lonely. We thank God for our good health and pray for those who are ill. We thank God for all he has provided us with as we share with those less fortunate. May all of you feel peace and love from God on this Thanksgiving day.

Celebrating The Fruits Of Your Harvest

We get together with family and friends and visit while eating a feast for a King. We may watch Macy’s Thanksgiving day parade on TV. We eat Turkey, mashed potatoes, green beans, corn, bread, stuffing, cranberries, salads, and pumpkin pie. Before we eat, we Thank the Lord for the food he has provided for us and our family and friends, and we pray for those that are ill and hungry. I generally eat more than I should because the food is beautifully prepared,  tasty, and delicious. I would always take several more helpings of stuffing and mashed potatoes when I was young. I always love the leftovers from Thanksgiving day.

Traditions

As a child, we would eat at a relative’s house on Thanksgiving day, or they would come to our home. The turkey was cleaned and stuffed. We washed and peeled potatoes and cooked the cranberries, and I could smell the wonderful pumpkin pie and turkey baking in the oven. My Mother would bast the turkey and make homemade gravy. The men would visit in one area and the women in another room. I always found the men’s conversations more interesting. The women would talk about baking, sewing, and their children. The young children would always sit at a card table and eat if the main table was filled with guests. I always put a foldout turkey on the table on Thanksgiving day, and I still have it today.

 

Thanksgiving Day Over The Years

As we age, the number of people sitting around the table gets smaller. We still remember them and are genuinely Thankful for all the time that God let them be in our lives. I still can see them sitting at the table in my fond memories of Thanksgiving day. Time waits for no man, so spend as much quality time with family and friends as possible, as you will never regret it. As a child, I played board games and other games with my relatives and friends on Thanksgiving day.

Thanksgiving Day History

Berkeley Plantation in Virginia is where the Good Ship Margaret landed with 36 men in 1619. The men had the first official Thanksgiving in America by the instruction given in a charter by the Virginia Co. The first Thanksgiving was in 1621, and the Plymouth colonist and the native Americans shared a feast. Sharing the fruits of their labor is a way for people to bond and grow closer to each other. Thank God for your many blessings.

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Kitten Antics

Kitten Antics

Kittens Are Love At First Site

I have had many kittens over the years, and they never cease to amaze me with their antics. Kittens will play with their Mother’s tail as she swings it back and forth. I imagine the kitten thinks of its Mother’s seat as prey to catch. Tiny kittens will chase after fallen leaves in the fall. Kittens are the cutest of all pets.

Catch Of The Day

I had a Mother cat bring a mouse to her kitten that she had just caught. The kitten would catch and release the mouse, pounce on it, and grab it by the neck for at least one hour. The kitten’s Mother was getting a little annoyed with her kitten’s learning curve. Our small dog came along later and ate the mouse.

Cat Toys

Kittens love to toss cat toys in the air and then try to catch or pounce on them. My kittens are curious creatures who follow me around the building site as I walk around. We once had a small dog that would let the Mother cat and her little kittens share her dog house with her. Our dog and the cats had a long and outstanding relationship.

Watch Out For Your Kittens Safety

Watch out for kittens sitting on your car tires or getting into the engine compartment of your vehicle, as things will not turn out well for your kittens. Do not let your kittens get into cupboards or near any hazardous chemicals. If you think your kitten might have ingested a dangerous poison, take him to your vet ASAP.

Climbers

Kittens love to climb up on things. Do not leave a kitten unattended with a Christmas tree in your house. The kitten could drink the tree water, play with the ornaments, or knock down the whole tree and get seriously injured.

Helpful Kittens

I had one kitten that used to love sitting on my shoulder as I walked around my building site. Kittens love to crawl up your pant legs. Start trimming your kitten’s claws, brushing their teeth, grooming them, and training them when they are very young for the perfect grown-up cat in the future. Your older cat will still have many years of antics in him.

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184Fans
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338Followers