COMPLIMENTS OF THE SEASON

Where did the year go?
Time runs so fast... was November and now December again and we realized that with giant strides we started in January and within a blink of an eye, 2006 is on its back!

A big "Thank You" to each and everyone of you, for the huge impact you had on my life this year. Especially for all the support, love, care, friendship, and e-mails I received.....
without you, I'm sure that 2006 would have been extremely different.

To all my friends, bloggers out there, I wish you all a magical Festive Season filled with Loving Wishes and Beautiful Thoughts.

May 2007 mark the beginning of a Tidal Wave of Love, Happiness and Bright Futures.
And those who need someone special, may you find that true love. To those who need money, may your finances overflow. To those who need caring, may you find a good heart. To those who need friends, may you meet lovely people. To those who need life, may you find God.

Merry Christmas and a Prosperous New Year. God bless

Little girl's faith

A little girl went to her bedroom and pulled a glass jelly jar from its hiding place in the closet. She poured the change out on the floor and counted it carefully. Three times, even. The total had to be exactly perfect. No chance here for mistakes. Carefully placing the coins back in the jar and twisting on the cap, she slipped out the back door and made her way 6 blocks to Rexall's Drug Store with the big red Indian Chief sign above the door.

She waited patiently for the pharmacist to give her some attention but he was too busy at this moment. Tess twisted her feet to make a scuffing noise. Nothing. She cleared her throat with the most disgusting sound she could muster. No good. Finally she took a quarter from her jar and banged it on the glass counter. That did it! "And what do you want?" the pharmacist asked in an annoyed tone of voice. I'm talking to my brother from Chicago whom I haven't seen in ages," he said without waiting for a reply to his question.

"Well, I want to talk to you about my brother." Tess answered back in the same annoyed tone. "He's really, really sick...and I want to buy a miracle." "I beg your pardon?"said the pharmacist. "His name is Andrew and he has something bad growing inside his head and my Daddy says only a miracle can save him now. So how much does a miracle cost?" "We don't sell miracles here, little girl. I'm sorry but I can't help you," the pharmacist said, softening a little.

"Listen, I have the money to for it. If it isn't enough, I will get the rest. Just tell me how much it costs." The pharmacist's brother was well dressed man, He stooped down and asked the little girl, "What kind of a miracle does your brother need? "I don't know," Tess replied with her eyes welling up. I just know he's really sick and Mommy says he needs an operation, but my Daddy can't pay for it, so I want to use my money.

"How much do you have?" asked the man from Chicago. "One dollar and eleven cents," Tess answered barely audibly and it's all the money I have, but I can get some more if I need to."

Well, what a coincidence, smiled the man. A dollar and eleven cents...the exact price of a miracle for little brothers. He took her money in one hand and with the other hand he grasped her mitten and said "take me to where you live. I want to see your brother and meet your parents. Let's see if I have the miracle you need."

That well dressed man was Doctor Carlton Armstrong, a surgeon, specializing in neuro-surgery. The operation was completed free of charge and it wasn't long until Andrew was home again and doing well.

Mom and Dad were happily talking about the chain of events that had led them to this place. That surgery, her Mom whispered...was a real miracle. I wonder how much it would have cost?

Tess smiled. She knew exactly how much a miracle cost...one dollar and eleven cents...plus the faith of a little child.

Holiday Shopping Safety Tips

The holiday season is a time when people are busy and can become careless, vulnerable to theft and other holiday related crimes. Shopping during the holiday season can present unique dangers. Taking a few preventive measures can help keep your holiday season joyous and safe.

• Dress casually and comfortably
• Shop during daylight hours whenever possible. If you must shop at night, go with a friend or family member and park in well lit areas, even though you are rushed and thinking about a thousand things, stay alert to your surroundings.
• Beware of strangers approaching you for any reason. At this time of year, con artists may try various methods of distracting you with the intention of taking your money or belongings.
• Do not buy items from strangers who might be trying to fence shoplifted items.
• Avoid overloading yourself with packages. It is important to have clear visibility and freedom of motion to avoid mishaps.
• Secure all packages in the trunk of your car. Do not leave packages in open sight.
• Shop at well on-line sites and ship gifts directly to out of town family and friends. Many stores offer shipping services also.
• Avoid wearing expensive jewelry
• Do not carry large purses or wallets.
• Be extra careful if you do carry a wallet or purse. They are the prime targets of criminals in crowded shopping areas, transportation terminals, bus stops, on buses and other rapid transit.
• Carry your identification card along with minimum necessary cash, checks and credit cards and expect to use.
• Pay for purchases with a check or credit card when possible
• Keep cash in your front pocket
• Keep a record of all of your credit card numbers in a safe place at home
• Notify the credit card issuer immediately if your credit card is lost, stolen or misused.
  

The Snow

Snow this year came so early than I least expect. It poured out heavier each day, together with its cool, blowing of the wind. Its breeze flashed through my lonely face as I beheld the snow flakes fall. Looking through my room window, the snow spread quickly through the streets and covered the houses, trees, cars, fences and all other form of surface outdoor.

News forecast road accidents due to slippery streets, some schools were closed while some areas

experienced power failure. Sensing peril in traveling for work by myself too, I decided staying home would mean my comfort. Still looking through the window, I wondered should the snow stop the following day? But to my dismay, it even grew thicker and thicker.

As I felt so helpless over the condition of my environment, I thought of a solution to my situation. Geared with my snow wear and shovel on my hand, I bravely went out of my front yard and started digging and moving the snow out of the way. Though heavy as it may seem to me, I was decided to do it. Pretty soon some passers-by saw me and commented to what I did. "Oh! it's a hard work for you, they said with a smile". I nodded in response but what amazed me most was...when most of them cared to say, "Thank you!" fascinated my tiresome day and strengthened my feeble hands.

At times, anyone's smile can inspire, much more, simple words of gratitude may mean a whole lot of strength to a weak, vulnerable spirit.

It was all worth it...I got paid off a thousand times over.